Thread by @ZarainDC

Did you hear today's episode of #TheDaily from @nytimes with Marjorie Dannenfelser and feel 🤯 listening to all the anti-choice nonsense? If so, here's the real deal on abortion in the US and why this essential health service needs to be protected. (1/x)
guttmacher.org/united-states/…

First, let's be clear that abortion patients are largely people like Ms. Dannenfelser: white, hetero, religiously affiliated, and who already have a child. Abortion is an experience shared by 1 in 4 American women, across demographic lines. (2/x) guttmacher.org/united-states/…

Second, abortion is a safe, effective procedure needed by many women, even those using contraception.
-18% of pregnancies in 2017 ended in abortion
-51% of abortion patients were using a contraceptive method in the month they became pregnant. (3/x)
guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/ind…

Anti-choicers are WAY out of step with the majority of Americans. "As of 2019, public support for legal abortion remains as high as it has been in two decades of polling. Currently, 61% say abortion should be legal in all or most cases." (4/x)
pewforum.org/fact-sheet/pub…

On the pod, there was talk about state laws and trends, but it wasn't accurate. Here's what's actually going on at the state level, including efforts by many states to INCREASE access to abortion, in line with the will of the people. (5/x)
guttmacher.org/article/2019/1…

Contrary to what some may think, states that don't restrict abortion often see the greatest ⬇️in rates.
"57% of the 2011-2017 decline in the # of abortions nationwide happened in the 18 states & DC that did not adopt any new abortion restrictions." (6/x) guttmacher.org/gpr/2019/09/us…

We know from global research that banning abortion doesn't stop it from happening. Abortion rates are the same in countries that restrict abortion and those where it's broadly legal. Since 1990, rates have declined in countries where it's legal. (7/x)
guttmacher.org/news-release/2…

As I said earlier this year, "no matter where in the world they are in place, abortion restrictions are punitive and coercive by design...disproportionately weighing on people who already face systemic barriers to care." (8/x)
nbcnews.com/think/opinion/…

Okay, let's turn to politics. On the pod, Ms. Dannenfelser made it clear that anti-choice folks got into bed with this administration purely to advance their antiquated, discriminatory views on Roe. It's time we fight back. (9/x)
guttmacher.org/article/2020/0…

Congress could act now. The Women's Health Protection Act #WHPA would help put an end to medically unnecessary restrictions and bans on abortion. This is critical, as since January 2011, states have enacted more than 450 new abortion restrictions. (10/x)
guttmacher.org/article/2020/0…

Taking action is particularly important now, as states have been using the guise of #COVID19 to advance restrictions on abortion. For some, like people in Texas, these bans mean having to drive 20x further to access critical health services. (11/x)
guttmacher.org/article/2020/0…

#WHPA is just step Congress must take to shore up access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health services during #COVID19. With anti-choice ideologues waging war on fundamental rights, it's imperative that we respond on every front. (12/x)
guttmacher.org/article/2020/0…

To wrap up for now, let me say this: you may not need an abortion today so you may think this doesn't concern you. But anti-choicers are coming for the services you do need and the rights you hold dear. There's a lot at stake, for each of us. (13/x)
guttmacher.org/article/2020/0…

Bringing it back around to #SCOTUS and the #RBGLegacy, here's NEW 🔥 analysis from my colleagues on what's on the line for abortion, #contraception, choice of providers, the #ACA and #Medicaid, #LGBTQ rights, #immigrant rights, and more. (14/x)

guttmacher.org/article/2020/0…