CNN Host Rolls Out Red Carpet for Abortion Clinic Owner to Strike a Moral Pose

CNN Newsroom with Fredricka Whitfield

April 16, 2022

11:41 a.m.

FREDRICKA WITFIELD: Welcome back. Four states are hit by a wave of anti-abortion bills this week. Florida’s latest is Florida, where Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law legislation banning the practice after fifteen weeks of gestation. This law does not include any exceptions for incest or rape. CNN’s Nadia Romero, from CNN, has more. Nadia?

NADIA ROMERO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fred, I mean, we look at all of these states that are following this trend, and  really sparked with two states — Texas and Mississippi — Mississippi back in 2018 that passed their 15-week abortion ban. The Supreme Court is currently hearing the case. Texas was the first to implement a 6-week abortion ban, which many called a “heartbeat law,” in September. This restrictive ban on abortion has been being passed in every state by Republican-led, Republican-controlled legislatures since then. We saw Florida, Oklahoma and others adding to this growing list in the last week.

ROMERO (pre-recorded): Using their voices and risking their freedoms, (clip of protesters) Kate Danehy-Samitz and Sarah Parker lead Women’s Voices of Southwest Florida — a nonprofit organized to defend reproductive freedoms:

CLIP OF AD – We must speak out.

ROMERO – The group was a catalyst for awareness and discussion at the Manatee County Board of Commissioners meeting about the potential introduction of an abortion ban.

SARAH PARKER, WOMEN’S VOICES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA – I had to get down and cry. After putting so much effort and time into that, we finally won.

ROMERO

It makes you angry. We feel like we are going backwards.

ROMERO: Governor Ron DeSantis signed a 15-week ban on abortion into law this week. There are no exemptions from rape or incest.

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS (R–FL): These will be the most important protections of life in this state for a generation.

ROMERO

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT (R-OK),: Oklahoma should be considered the most pro-life country. Oklahoma must ban abortion.

ROMERO Bis now, 18 states had introduced legislation to restrict or ban abortions. However, 14 have adopted the restrictive legislation. Following a 2018 Mississippi law that prohibited abortions in the first 15 weeks after implantation, Arizona and Kentucky are among three of this year’s states. Now, some Democratic-controlled legislatures aim to protect the rights of Roe V. WadeThey will be introducing new laws. Maryland legislators expand abortion access.

ADRIENNE JONES MARYLAND HOUSE of DELEGATES SPEEAKER: This is the moment we are preparing to take some of our most restrictive abortion measures in a generation.

ROMERO: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer filed a lawsuit challenging the nearly 100-year-old state’s abortion ban. Even though the ban is unenforceable, Roe V. Wade.

GOVERNOR GRETCHEN WITMER (D–MI): It is imperative that we take the current attack on women’s rights seriously, and make use of every resource available to us to defend ourselves. This isn’t a theory, it is a present and real danger.

ROMERO: Many states are rewriting abortion laws. All eyes now turn to the Supreme Court. In December, the court heard arguments about the Mississippi law. According to legal experts, a decision could come in June just in time for summer break. This would allow pro-abortion activists to continue fighting the court at all costs.

PARKER: They might come back to say, “Stay behind!” Roe versus Wade. It is my hope and belief that they will.

ROMERO. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also signed another bill which provides support for mentoring and educational programs for fathers. This bill includes $70million for family support services. However, Fred says that this sidebar is only a part of the Governor’s 15-week ban on abortion. As these bans are being implemented, we see legal battles all around the country. This is because different organizations like the ACLU are fighting to stop them.

WHITFIELD This will be discussed further. Amy Hagstrom Miller is here to discuss these laws. Whole Women’s Chief Executive Officer is she. [sic]There are many clinics in the United States that offer abortions. Amy, it’s good to meet you. What was your reaction to the new laws?

AMY HAGSTROM MILLER WHOLE WOMENS HEALTH : Unfortunately, you know what? I am not surprised. This is what I believe we saw across the country after the Supreme Court’s status was changed. This is a sad fact because the laws and values they represent are not representative of the beliefs and feelings of most people.

Many people want safe abortions to be available in their own communities. Everyone knows someone or loves somebody who needs an abortion. They deserve compassion and love. They do not deserve to have to go through all the pain and shame of abortion.

WHITFIELD – How can your clinic help people to navigate some of the laws that are in place?

MILLER: Sure. MILLER: Yes. These laws were created to deceive, scare, and delay access. These laws do not prevent people from having an abortion, or help them plan for their family. They ban abortion and make it harder for people to travel. Whole Woman’s Health operates clinics in areas that have been designated as “haven states”. We also have clinics located in Texas and Indiana. We have helped people to travel to Texas from other parts of the country to get safe abortions.

It is far more hazardous to travel than abortion.  The procedure of abortion is extremely safe. It should always be accessible in the community where it’s being sought. It shouldn’t take people hundreds of kilometers to be able to access mainstream medicine, something that nearly 40 percent will require in their lifetimes. This is not an issue that should be taken lightly. This directly relates to the safety and well-being of our families and women.

WHITFIELD

MILLER: Thank you, yes, that’s correct. Because these restrictions have a greater impact on the young, the people of color and those without health insurance who are unable to travel for the necessary abortions, the consequences can be devastating. Texas has one of the lowest maternal deaths, even without these restrictions. Texas has little to no health insurance. This has a profound impact on these communities. And I feel we see a split in this country, both among the states that have health insurance and those with limited coverage. We also see divisions among people regarding their access to healthcare in general.

The status of women here has also been affected by abortion. The last 50 years have seen safe abortion make our communities more healthy, reduce maternal mortality, and improve the health of families. We need to discuss the positive effects of having safe abortion available in this country for the past 50-years.

WHITFIELD

MILLER – So, my advice is for everyone to remember that abortion remains legal in the United States and that people trying to prevent you from having safe abortions don’t represent the common values. Numerous networks exist in the country to assist you, including abortion funds and clinics. You can find the right place to get safe abortion.

Numerous networks are available to assist people in travel planning and funding. Whole Woman’s Health is working with others across the country to help mitigate the damage done by SB8 and its copycats. We are also preparing the infrastructure needed to assist people when the Dobbs decision is made this summer.

WHITFIELD We are so grateful.

(…)

September 9, 2021

12:06 p.m.

FREDRICKA WITFIELD The state’s restrictive abortion law was reinstated by a federal appeals court, effectively banning all procedures. Amy Hagstrom Miller is the CEO and founder of Whole Woman’s Health. The company operates several clinics throughout Texas as well as in other states. Amy, it’s so great to be back. Now, tell us what’s the most recent. What are the most desperate ways women across states are trying to access care right now, and how can you measure this?

AMY HAGSTROM MILLER WHOLE WOMENS HEALTH – It is ground zero right now in Texas. It was necessary to cancel all appointments… (audio gap)… the reverse of the injunction occurred yesterday. It’s heartbreaking. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for pregnant women. We need to take care of many of these women. We are now back where we were just a few days before. Only six weeks after the start of a pregnancy can we provide assistance. Then, people who reach that age need to find ways to leave state. For most patients it is difficult to do so because of how they have to balance school work and parenting. Others are left wondering if their chances of winning and whether they will be able get an abortion in their locality.

WHITFIELD: Mm. Please share any journeys that someone you have had contact with, without disclosing their identities, with us to help people get a better understanding of these women.

MILLER: Sure. MILLER: Yes. You have to understand that access to safe abortion is for everyone, and not just for women. There’s men, there’s families and communities that rely on this mainstream health care in order to plan their families and live their lives …  (audio gap)

WHITFIELD : I’m so sorry. WHITFIELD: I am so sorry.

MILLER – The ripple effect, which is for the preg–

WHITFIELD: And, Amy, I mean, you’re terrific, and I know you have a wealth of knowledge and information. Because the current signal is so poor that it is not conveying your message effectively, we are going to attempt this again. We’ll do it again. Amy Hagstrom Miller thank you very much.

(…)

September 4, 2021

12:17 p.m.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: All right, turning now to the battle over abortion rights in Texas. The state’s biggest anti-abortion organization has been temporarily restraining ordered by a judge. Texas Right to Life cannot sue Planned Parenthood in Texas under the strict state’s new abortion law.

Civil suits can be brought by private citizens against any person who helps a victim of the law. Person seeking to have an abortion on a pregnant womanThis is a violation of the law. It bans abortions as soon as 6 weeks after a woman is pregnant. Many women don’t even realize they are pregnant at that point. President Biden is Denouncing the law and calling it “almost Un-American”They say it is a kind of vigilante system.

Amy Hagstrom Miller is joining us. Whole Woman’s Health is a non-profit provider of abortions with clinics across five states including Texas. She serves as the founder and CEO. Amy, we are so glad to have you. How did you react to the Texas judge’s temporary restraint order?

AMY HAGSTROM MILLER WHOLE WOMAN’S HEALTH – You know, it’s a good step. This protection is not enough to protect all Texas residents from vigilantes. Planned Parenthood did a great job. This prevents one company from being sued. There are many people and organizations that are hostile to us as providers of abortion care or those who help others access it throughout the state.

We need to have the government step in, as you mentioned. Our legal options do not end. There will be many additional actions over the next few weeks in order not only to protect people’s legal rights, but to also ensure our ability provide safe abortion services in communities throughout Texas with the compassions and dignity people deserve.

WHITFIELD. What is the opinion of women, especially those with upcoming appointments? You mean what did they say in the last 48 hours.

MILLER. So, this week has been extremely hard for our essential staff members who kept the clinics open through this entire pandemic. You know what this week is going to be like? They have to face patients and tell them that the abortion they want, which they believe, is the best choice for their families, has been denied. Given the many situations we all face during this pandemic I believe, most of us had to make tough decisions. These included important ones about our family and education as well. These are the circumstances in which unplanned pregnancy can occur.

For many, having an abortion is an extremely important decision. It must be done quickly and compassionately. So, these Texas laws make it very difficult for people to have access to care even before SB8. It’s not just that there are barriers. There are delays. Now we have this added on. The majority of patients who visit our clinics do not receive the necessary care, and are instead told that their pregnancies must be continued against their will.

WHITFIELD: Mm-hm. You’ve described in part the short-term anxiety, but what about the long-term worries that you hear already from women and those working in your clinic? These are the people who advocate and feel proud about what they’ve been able do. But, how long-term are you thinking now?

MILLER There is no distinction. Everybody will have to deal with an unplanned pregnancy at one point or another in their lives. There are many people we know who love someone who has had an abortion. I ask if this is the type of place that people want to be in.

Consider the long-term impact on women who are forced into having pregnancies against will. Maternal mortality and health outcomes are also important. The way we look at abortion access and safety in this country over the long-term is causing damage. They’re playing political football with the lives of people. The politicians would be so kind if they didn’t make such cruel comments. I wish they could understand the pain and stories of the patients who are discussing what is important in their lives. Abortion is not only for those in dire situations. When we decide to end a pregnancy, we should all be able to access it.

WHITFIELD. The U.S. Supreme Court is speaking. Are you optimistic about the potential of this White House Department of Justice?

MILLER. So it is encouraging to see that the administration finally pays attention. It’s no secret that Governor Abbott signed the bill into law many months ago. Since then, we’ve seen an increase in regulation of bodies, surveillance, violence, and other forms of control over people for decades. This trend has been especially evident for the past few years. We have the FACE Act that we can review. There are HIPAA violations that we could look into. There is federal marshal protection we can look into. It would be a good idea to look at the Women’s Health and Protection Act more closely, both in the House and in the Senate. Washington might make an effort to help those states where abortion rights may be most at-risk.

WHITFIELD Amy Hagstrom Miller, thanks so much. We are grateful for your participation.

MILLER : Thanks so much for reporting the story.