1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose HR722, a proposed bill that poses a direct and devastating threat to women’s reproductive rights, life-saving healthcare, and bodily autonomy. Criminalizing abortion would not stop abortions from occurring—it would only drive desperate women to unsafe, unregulated, and life-threatening measures. Passing this bill would not save lives; it would cost them. History has already shown us the consequences of banning abortion. Before Roe v. Wade, illegal abortions were a leading cause of maternal deaths in the United States. In the 1960s, unsafe abortions accounted for nearly 17% of all pregnancy-related deaths. Countless women were injured, sterilized, or killed due to unsafe procedures. Those without financial means to travel or access discreet medical care suffered the most, disproportionately impacting women of color and those living in poverty. Beyond the immediate risks to maternal health, HR722 would have long-term societal consequences. Forcing women to carry unwanted pregnancies disproportionately affects those in vulnerable situations—such as survivors of sexual violence, individuals with severe medical conditions, and those already struggling to provide for their families. Studies have repeatedly shown that women denied abortion care face higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and mental health challenges. Their children are also more likely to experience poor health outcomes, reduced educational attainment, and economic insecurity. Despite these profound burdens, federal funding for child welfare remains insufficient. Many families lack access to affordable childcare, parental leave, and healthcare. Infant mortality rates in the United States are higher than in most other developed nations, and social safety nets are often inadequate to meet the basic needs of struggling parents and children. Criminalizing abortion without ensuring robust support for maternal and child welfare is both cruel and irresponsible. If protecting children is truly a priority, Congress should focus on addressing the leading cause of death for children in the United States: gun violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearms have surpassed car accidents as the number one killer of children and teenagers. Efforts to protect life and well-being would be better directed toward enacting common-sense gun control measures and ensuring safe environments for children rather than stripping women of their reproductive rights. This bill does not protect life; it endangers it. Instead of stripping women of their fundamental freedoms, Congress should focus on expanding access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, affordable childcare, maternal support services, and meaningful strategies to protect children from gun violence. The government has no place mandating personal medical decisions. We urge you to protect women’s lives, uphold their autonomy, and oppose HR722.