CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, Republican members of the Executive Council voted to deny contracts to New Hampshire’s family planning providers, threatening Granite Staters’ access to birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment. In response, Rep. Marjorie Smith (D-Durham), released the following statement:
“Today’s Executive Council vote to block family planning contracts is the latest attempt by Gov. Chris Sununu and the Republican party to transform New Hampshire into the Texas of the Northeast. Despite the clear explanation by DHHS that family planning funds cannot be spent on abortion services, and that rejecting the contract would put the state in a ‘very precarious’ position, the Republican majority ignored them and voted down the contract anyway.
The restrictions on reproductive rights enacted by Republicans this year had never come close to passage in New Hampshire before, even when Republicans controlled the legislature. For a state that prides itself on individual freedom and declares “Live Free or Die” as its state motto, to place such draconian limitations on reproductive freedom is truly shameful.
This week, Democrats have filed legislation to repeal the NH GOP’s cruel and invasive laws against pregnant Granite Staters. Legislation passed by the GOP this spring forcing pregnant people to undergo unnecessary ultrasounds and punishing doctors with criminal penalties for providing necessary medical care has no place in New Hampshire. These repressive laws are just the beginning of how the GOP are attempting to destroy reproductive freedoms in New Hampshire. Reproductive rights should never be up for debate in New Hampshire and House Democrats are committed to righting the GOP’s wrongs. We look forward to continuing to advocate for the reproductive rights of all Granite Staters next session.”
Comments