Statement from Lupe M. Rodríguez, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, honoring Rosie Jiménez Day

“Today, we honor the life and legacy of Rosie Jiménez, the first person known to have died because she could not afford to access safe abortion care. The Hyde Amendment’s cruel ban on abortion coverage created the conditions that led to Rosie’s death, and nearly 50 years later, our communities are still suffering and dying because they are denied the care they need because of Hyde and widespread state abortion bans. These bans, in addition to state and federal cuts to programs and providers that our families depend on, like Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and the potential closure of hundreds of Planned Parenthood clinics, disproportionately affect Latines and other communities of color.

“Everyone—no matter who they are, where they live, what insurance they have, or how much money they make—should be able to get the healthcare they need. As we remember Rosie and all who have died because of abortion bans, we’ll continue to fight for a future where everyone can live safe, healthy lives and raise their families with dignity.”