OKLAHOMA CITY—On the 40^th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma stands with women across the country in reinforcing the importance of safe and legal abortion. Despite a woman’s constitutional right to make her own personal medical decisions without interference from politicians, access to safe and legal abortion is still at risk.

 

“As a leading women’s health care provider and advocate in Oklahoma, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma understands that abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision for a woman to consider if and when she needs it,” said Anita Fream, CEO . “A woman should have accurate information about all her options around her pregnancy. To protect their health and the health of their families, women must have access to safe, legal abortion services without interference from politicians, as protected by the highest court.”

In 1965, illegal abortions made up nearly one-fifth of all pregnancy-and childbirth-related deaths. In the 40 years since Roe v. Wade blocked states from banning abortion, it has been one of the safest medical procedures — today, less than 0.3 percent of women undergoing legal abortions sustain a serious complication.

 

 “A majority of Americans oppose efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade,” said Fream. “Legislators who continue to interfere with a woman’s access to safe and legal abortion do so against the will of their constituents.”

As a leading women's health care provider in Oklahoma, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma works every day to reduce unintended pregnancy and keep women healthy. Planned Parenthood health centers across the country provide health care that helps women prevent an estimated 684,000 unintended pregnancies and 325,000 abortions every year. From courthouses to statehouses to Capitol Hill, Planned Parenthood works to protect access to health care for women across the country — taking action to ensure that women have access to care, no matter what.

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