“On Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott told The Dallas Morning News that rape victims can take emergency contraception, like Plan B, to prevent a pregnancy. With abortion now banned in Texas, even in instances of incest or rape, the governor recommended the use of emergency contraception to ensure a victim of rape does not become pregnant.” [Texas Tribune, Sept 3, 2022]

Avow Texas’ Political Director Caroline Duble issued the following statement:

“Greg Abbott’s comments are not only grossly disrespectful to survivors of abuse, but they also show how disconnected he is from the reality and lived experiences of survivors and people needing abortion care. Texans deserve access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options without obstacles — and that is not a current reality for survivors in Texas. Emergency contraception is not widely available or affordable for many Texans, research shows that many survivors don’t immediately report their abuse for many valid reasons, and on top of that, not all emergency contraception is effective for different body types. We need leaders who will treat all Texans and survivors with the utmost respect, trust them to make the best decisions for themselves, and ensure access to the full range of reproductive healthcare, including abortion care.”