First, I want to thank you. You elected sexual and reproductive health champions in the White House and held the House, which is *amazing.*

But let this be your Debbie Downer alert: Our victories at the federal level don't change the dire situation in many states where politicians have prioritized passing cruel abortion bans and restrictions at a staggering pace, ignoring the urgent need for COVID-19 solutions.

Now, let's be perfectly clear: 77% of Americans support Roe v. Wade and the right to access abortion. When you get down to it, the politicians who want to control our bodies are a vocal minority — and you better believe we're going to show them that we don't back down from a fight.

So, here's what we've seen so far. And, as always, feel free to check out the abortion access tool for more information about access in your community.

South Carolina: If you haven't already heard, a bill banning abortion after just six weeks of pregnancy was enacted in the state — and is temporarily blocked from taking effect by a federal court (thanks to a lawsuit filed by attorneys from Planned Parenthood Federation of America and other partners).

Arkansas: Last month, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country, which could go into effect in August if not stopped by courts. The law would effectively outlaw abortion in the state, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Additionally, the law classifies performing an abortion as a felony, with conviction resulting in a fine of up to $100,000 or up to 10 years imprisonment. As with similar abortion bans, this law will be challenged in court.

Oklahoma: A number of bills passed out of the House and are now moving in the Senate. If signed into law, they would prevent qualified providers from offering abortions, add extreme regulations on the provision and distribution of medication abortion, and make performing an abortion “unprofessional conduct” — effectively banning abortion in the state.

Montana: In March, three dangerous unconstitutional bills were enacted that attack abortion access. These bills criminalize providers, violate patient privacy, disrespect the provider-patient relationship, require medically unnecessary procedures and visits, ban telemedication abortion, and shame people for seeking an abortion.

And these restrictions are just a few of the more than 500 anti-abortion restrictions that have been introduced across the country in 44 states as of mid-March.

Although Roe v. Wade remains the law of the land, abortion restrictions are intentionally designed to limit abortion access. And remember that these types of abortion restrictions disproportionately impact folks who already face systemic barriers to accessing health care — like Black and Brown communities, people who live in rural areas, and people with low incomes.

Over the next few weeks, you'll be hearing from a few different folks with varying perspectives on how this legislation will impact the lives of real people — patients, providers, and beyond.

We won't let our guard down now, and we want you to know: No matter where you live, your income, or race, we'll always have your back and fight for your access to care.