California Doctor Suggests Floating Abortion Clinics in Gulf of Mexico to Maintain Access Amid Ban

A California doctor is proposing floating abortion clinics to be installed in the Gulf of Mexico to avoid abortion bans imposed on certain areas of the country.

Newsweek reported that Dr. Meg Autry is leading the launch of a ship named "PRROWESS"-short for "Protecting Reproductive Rights Of Women Endangered by State Statutes."

The ship is eyed to be a "comprehensive" reproductive health clinic. It will also include a team of licensed health care providers offering surgical abortions up to 14 weeks, contraception, and other care to patients living in states where such services are not allowed.

An experienced caption and crew in federal waters will operate the suggested floating abortion clinic.

Autry said that not only is the clinic innovative, but it is also closer and more accessible, and quicker than other options.

Floating Abortion Clinics

Autry, an obstetrician, gynecologist, and professor at the University of California San Francisco, noted that there has been an "assault on reproductive rights in our country."

She added that she is a lifelong advocate for reproductive health and choice, noting that they have to create options and be thoughtful and creative to help people in restrictive states, according to a Washington Post report.

Autry said their legal team believes there is a swath of federal water where licensed providers could safely and legally provide abortions out of reach of state laws. She added that going to the coast and boarding a boat may be closer and easier than trying to travel to a state where abortions remain legal, particularly for women in southern states with abortion bans.

The San Francisco physician also said that they are still trying to work out several details, such as where the boat will launch and how women would get to the ship.

The proposal comes as abortion access in certain states had banned the medical procedure after the Supreme Court's decision.

Abortion Access in The U.S.

U.S. President Joe Biden said that the Supreme Court decision overturning the right to an abortion was an exercise in "raw political power," as reported by Reuters. The president then signed an executive order on Friday to ease access to services to terminate pregnancies.

Biden has been under pressure from his own party to take action after the landmark decision Roe v Wade was overturned. It upended around 50 years of protections for women's reproductive rights.

The executive order mandates the government's health department to expand access to "medication abortion," which are pills prescribed to end pregnancies. In addition, it directs to ensure women have access to emergency medical care, family planning services, and contraception.

It also covers protection for doctors and women who travel for abortions, including mobile abortion clinics at state borders.

Biden said during a press conference at the White House that they cannot allow an "out of control Supreme Court" to take away freedoms and "our personal autonomy."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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