ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Alabama Doctor Vows To Continue To Provide Abortions Even After Controversial Ban

Alabama Doctor Vows To Continue To Provide Abortions Even After Controversial Ban

Doctors in Alabama that perform a termination could face longer in prison than a rapist who impregnates a woman

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Just days ago the governor of Alabama, Kay Ivey, pushed forward with America's most restrictive ban on abortion. This means that doctors can be sentenced to 99 years behind bars for aborting a baby and 10 years for attempting the procedure.

But Dr Yashica Robinson, medical director of the Alabama Women's Center, said she 'will not change' her 'daily routine' when the legislation is enforced in six months' time.

Writing for CNN, Dr Robinson said she will 'continue to deliver babies, give prenatal care - and provide abortions', just as she has for the last 15 years.

She continued: "I am appalled that I could get a more severe penalty (up to 99 years in prison) for providing safe abortion care than someone who commits second-degree rape. And I hate that I am being placed in the position of reassuring my patients that abortion is still legal today - and for the foreseeable future - despite the actions of politicians in Birmingham [Alabama's most populous city].

"I am frightened for Alabamians because, should this law ever go into effect, doctors like me will leave Alabama rather than stay and practice substandard medicine."

Margeaux Hartline, dressed as a handmaid, protests against a ban on nearly all abortions outside of the Alabama State House.
PA

Concluding her article, she wrote: "But I remain hopeful for my state and my patients. The law will almost certainly be stopped in court. The outpouring of attention and activism is invigorating.

"I'm also encouraged that other states, from New York to Vermont, are taking steps to protect abortion access. And until I am told otherwise, I will continue to provide the best reproductive healthcare I can.

"Bottom line: Alabamans deserve better. We all do. So, I cling to a vision of a world in which people are not afraid to talk about their abortions, in which insurance covers the full cost of abortions and in which all women have access to high-quality maternity care and contraception.

"I urge the politicians in Alabama, and those around the country, please stop trying to make it harder for people to access health care. Instead, help me turn this vision into a reality."

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signing a bill that virtually outlaws abortion in the state.
PA

When governor Kay Ivey signed the anti-abortion legislation, she wrote: "Today, I signed into law the Alabama Human Life Protection Act.

"To the bill's many supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians' deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God."

Many people hit back against the decision, including a string of celebrities, with many slamming the fact that 25 men voted for the ban.

Comedian Chelsea Handler said: "Of those 25 men who voted to ban abortion in Alabama, I'd like to know how many of them have ever been pregnant. Or have gotten pregnant as a result of rape. I'd like to know how many of those men know exactly what it is like to be a woman. The answer is zero."

Featured Image Credit: Alabama Women's Clinic

Topics: News, US News, abortion