DALLAS, TX – Today, 111 Texas OB-GYNs signed an open letter condemning the state’s abortion ban, claiming it prevents doctors from providing life-saving care. The letter follows ProPublica’s report on the deaths of Texans Josseli Barnica and Nevaeh Crain, whose lives, according to the signatories, could have been saved if not for the restrictions.
According to Congressman Colin Allred, Sen. Ted Cruz has previously labeled Texas’s abortion ban as “perfectly reasonable” and advocated for the Supreme Court to allow states to ban emergency abortions. Allred stated that Cruz has since avoided addressing the impact of his policies, instead claiming that Texas voters are not concerned about the issue.
The open letter from Texas OB-GYNs addressed state officials directly, urging change in laws that, they argue, restrict them from delivering necessary medical care. “Josseli Barnica and Nevaeh Crain should be alive today,” the letter states, emphasizing the burden the law places on physicians under threat of imprisonment and loss of licensure.
The physicians concluded by urging policymakers to safeguard patient care and ensure that healthcare remains a decision between patients, their families, and their doctors. “Healthcare is on the ballot,” they declared, underscoring their commitment to protecting patient access to quality, evidence-based treatment.
You can read the full letter below: