John,

Today, ProPublica released a report finding that ectopic pregnancy deaths have nearly doubled in recent years—and that the numbers are considerably worse in states with abortion bans.

Trends like these are exactly what we mean when we say that abortion bans fundamentally change the standard of care for all pregnant patients.

With prompt treatment, deaths from ectopic pregnancy are almost entirely preventable, and most bans technically allow for treatment. But abortion bans deliberately sow confusion about what is and isn’t legal, and exactly how dire a patient’s status must be before a doctor can provide care.

Republicans tout abortion bans with “exceptions” as a common-sense compromise, but all of the data tells us that when politicians try to legislate pregnancy, patients suffer—full stop.

And just last week, the Trump administration canceled nearly $40 million in grants focusing on things like infant and maternal mortality, in favor of research focusing on sperm counts and erectile dysfunction.

While the standard of care for women erodes nationally, the research to reduce infant and maternal mortality is being defunded.

This is the backdrop against which we’re choosing new leaders in November. We have the power and the responsibility to elect candidates who will fight for the safety and dignity of our moms and families.

In solidarity,

Maris Nyhart
Communications Director
Vote Pro-Choice