Greetings,

Anti-choice extremists have hit an all time low.  They are implementing a campaign on abortion and women of color that targets the African American community.

The Georgia Right To Life and Radiance Foundation began putting up over 60 billboards in Atlanta communities of color implying that “black children are an endangered species.”

They then introduced House Bill 1155 which falsely asserts that abortion providers throughout the state “solicit” women of color for abortions based on sex and race selection, assertions that are both false and inflammatory.

This bill reflects an agenda not rooted in a sincere concern for the African American community. Real concern would come in the form of support for the services that benefit all women and families in Georgia. This bill would only delay medical services for women.

The billboards and legislation are disrespectful and offensive.  If sponsors of the legislation really cared about communities of color they should fully fund public education, increase PeachCare eligibility and expand Medicaid by supporting funding for “Planning for Healthy Babies” program.

Too many babies in Georgia are being born too early and too small.  The “Planning for Healthy Babies” program is designed to address Georgia’s high rate of low birth weight infants.  A statistic that is even higher among African American women.  This would allow Georgia to expand its Medicaid program to provide contraceptive and pregnancy planning services to low income women at the same eligibility level as that applied to pregnancy care.

Planned Parenthood believes that every woman, regardless of her race or ethnic background, should have the ability to make personal medical decisions in consultation with her medical professional, family, faith leader or anyone she trusts.