A resolution to recognize March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" and to affirm the commitment to ensuring the safety, access, and essential care provided by abortion providers.
Mazie Hirono
Senator
HI
This concurrent resolution expresses support for recognizing March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and staff for their essential care, courage, and dedication, particularly in light of increasing restrictions on abortion access. It affirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the safety of abortion providers and patients' right to access care without fear of violence or criminalization. The resolution condemns actions that limit abortion access and expresses a vision for a future where everyone has full access to necessary care without penalty or stigma.
Congress Backs 'Abortion Provider Appreciation Day' for 2025, Amidst Growing State Restrictions
This resolution throws Congressional support behind recognizing March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day." It's a direct nod to the increasingly tough landscape for abortion access across the country, and here is how it breaks down.
Appreciation in Action
The resolution specifically praises abortion providers and staff for their "courage, compassion, and dedication." It calls out the fact that, as of March 2025, 19 states have banned some or all abortion access. This isn't just about saying "thanks" – it's acknowledging that providing this care is getting harder, especially with the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Real-World Impacts
The resolution highlights what happens when abortion access is restricted. Think: worse health outcomes, increased poverty, and even a greater risk of interpersonal violence. For example, someone in a state with a total ban might have to travel hundreds of miles, racking up costs for travel, lodging, and time off work. The resolution points out that 12 states have completely banned abortion, impacting over 25 million women of reproductive age, plus trans and nonbinary individuals.
Safety and Security
It's not just about access; it's also about safety. The resolution mentions a disturbing stat: 218 incidents of obstruction, vandalism, and trespassing at clinics in 2022 alone, according to the National Abortion Federation. This part directly connects the challenges faced by providers to the broader political climate.
Commitment and Condemnation
The resolution isn't shy about pointing fingers. It condemns the Supreme Court's decisions and "anti-abortion extremists" for limiting access and increasing stigma. It also states that Congress is committed to ensuring providers can work safely and patients can access care "without fear of violence, criminalization, or stigma." This is where the resolution moves from appreciation to a clear statement of values and future goals, envisioning a future without abortion restrictions.
What It Means.
This resolution is essentially Congress saying, "We see you, we appreciate you, and we're fighting for you." to abortion providers. It acknowledges the vital role of these healthcare workers, especially as access to abortion becomes more difficult and dangerous in many parts of the country. While the resolution itself is not a law, it is a powerful statement of support and condemnation of the current state of reproductive rights in America.