In December, one family planning clinic and two abortion clinics in Albuquerque, New Mexico, were violently attacked. One of them was run by Dr. Curtis Boyd, a PRCH member who provided abortions before Roe v. Wade. Abortion providers are facing attacks on other fronts, from the federal abortion ban to countless state efforts that restrict physicians’ ability to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Today, on the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we want to thank the women and men who, like Dr. Boyd, provided abortions to women before Roe.

The life of a pre-Roe doctor was not an easy one. Those who provided abortions illegally worried daily that they would lose their licenses or be subjected to physical violence. Doctors who worked to obtain legal abortions for their patients devoted much of their time and energy to securing this essential care, then could only hope for the best.

Physicians who practiced before Roe v. Wade fought to improve the lives of women and their families in the United States, but they also fought to benefit future doctors. Despite continued obstacles, women no longer suffer as a result of illegal abortions, and healthcare providers are able to offer their patients safe, legal abortion care. 

Please sign our letter thanking the pre-Roe physicians who fought for women’s health and safety. PRCH will collect your signature and deliver this letter to our physician members who practiced medicine before Roe v. Wade.