Protect the Austin Medical Assistance Program
A longstanding family-planning program that serves the most vulnerable of Austin women is being attacked by local anti-choice groups. According to several sources, anti-choice groups have been flooding the Travis County Healthcare District with phone calls pressuring the Board to discontinue funding abortion services for women through the Austin Medical Assistance Program (MAP). There are more than 100,000 women of childbearing age in the Austin area who are in need of subsidized reproductive-health services. MAP provides funding for abortion services to an estimated 1% of the most vulnerable of these women. Make no mistake, without this program these women would have nowhere else to turn. They have no assets. They have no insurance. They have no Medicaid. We know from history that when you remove a safe and legal option, you create an environment of desperation that can leads to back-alley abortions, which are sure to endanger the lives of women.
Here’s how you can help: 1. Will you call the Travis County Healthcare District today and let them know that you support the right of every Austin woman to choose, regardless of her economic status? It’s quick and easy. Just call 512-978-8000 and let the person who answers the phone know that you would like to leave a message for the Board in support of the continuation of the Medical Assistance Program’s funding for abortion services. Please note that all Board members serve on a volunteer basis. Please be respectful and thank them for the service that they provide to the Austin community. Although we recommend calling the office, you may also email the Board. 2. Will you please join us on December 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Travis County Commissioners Courtroom, located on the first floor of the Granger Building at 314 West 11th Street, Austin to show your support of Austin women of every economic status? MAP is a reflection of Austin’s compassion and respect for the choices that women make. Please don’t let the voices of a few decide the health care that’s available for women in Austin.
Thank you for taking this action today. We hope to see you on December 10!
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