The White House has spoken out against a suggestion by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to develop abortion services at National Parks.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the issue during a Tuesday press gaggle aboard Air Force One.
“I think we talked about this the other day about, you know, building some kind of facilities on federal lands. Are you any further along in terms of exploring those options? And would it be a possibility to come to some agreement with Tribes to use Tribal lands?” Jean-Pierre was asked by a reporter.
The press secretary noted that “we understand the proposal is well intentioned, but here’s the thing: It could actually put women and providers at risk.”
Jean-Pierre added that the move could lead to potential prosecution.
“And importantly, in states where abortion is now illegal, women and providers who are not federal employees — as you look at the federal lands — could be — potentially be prosecuted,” she added, claiming there are “actually dangerous ramifications to doing this.”
When pressed for additional details on the issue, Jean-Pierre only noted “we’re looking at an array of other options.”
The speculation about abortion services on National Park property spread after Warren mentioned the idea during a Washington Post interview.
“They could put up tents, have trained personnel — and be there to help people who need it,” The Post’s Caroline Kitchener reported Warren telling her regarding abortions at National Parks. “It’s time to declare a medical emergency.”
I just spoke with @ewarren, who suggested the Biden administration establish Planned Parenthood outposts on the edges of national parks.
"They could put up tents, have trained personnel — and be there to help people who need it."
"It's time to declare a medical emergency."
— Caroline Kitchener (@CAKitchener) June 27, 2022
The full article by The Post quoted Warren supporting Planned Parenthood “outposts” on the edge of National Parks. “The point is the acknowledgment of the emergency situation and the urgency of getting help out,” she said in the interview. “People need help immediately.”
Warren’s proposal follows comments by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to build abortion clinics on federal land.
“Open abortion clinics on federal lands in red states right now!” she told supporters following the Roe v. Wade decision.
ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ: “Open abortion clinics on federal lands in red states right now!”
“Right now!” pic.twitter.com/sFvl101mSt
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 28, 2022
Ocasio-Cortez has also argued freedom of choice is “an inalienable right” despite the Supreme Court’s verdict that overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion laws to states.
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Republicans are mad because I am sharing this information. Too bad!
🚺⚧ Freedom of choice is an inalienable right. Your bodily autonomy belongs to you.
💊 Link to my full IG story on how to protect yourself + access abortion in a post-Roe world:https://t.co/JdFoyKdoPl pic.twitter.com/iRk4IJXmvY
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 28, 2022
The strong response also follows trigger laws in 13 states that will further limit abortion following the Supreme Court’s Friday ruling.
Missouri became the first state to effectively ban abortions following the Court’s decision after Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt issued an opinion within an hour of the ruling.
“Today, the overruling of Roe and Casey permits Missouri to renew its proud pro-life traditions and restore basic legal protection for the most fundamental of human rights — the right to life,” Schmitt wrote.
Other states have followed, with a federal court allowing a Tennessee law to go into effect that will ban abortion after six weeks in most cases.