REN Slams 20-Week Abortion Ban as “Out-of-Touch” and a Broken Promise

WATCH: Ahead of House Judiciary hearing, advocates say HB 1590 would further restrict abortion and weaken health care in New Hampshire 

Boston, MA (February 25, 2025) – Claire Teylouni, Senior Director for Policy and Programs at Reproductive Equity Now (REN), released the following statement ahead of the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee's consideration of HB 1590, a bill introduced by Rep. Kevin Scully (R-Nashua) that would ban abortion at 20 weeks. 

“At a time when Granite Staters are calling for better, more affordable health care, lawmakers should be focused on expanding access — not restricting it through this out-of-touch abortion ban that further limits abortion access, creates more barriers for patients, and overall weakens our health care system in New Hampshire,” said Teylouni. “The overwhelming majority of Granite Staters support abortion access and believe medical decisions belong with patients and their providers — not politicians. That’s why Republican leaders and Governor Kelly Ayotte promised voters in 2024 they would not further restrict abortion in our state—this bill breaks that promise. Lawmakers should outright reject this proposal, and instead turn to focusing on improving health care access in New Hampshire.”

HB 1590 is a 20-week abortion ban that would amend New Hampshire’s existing 24-week abortion ban by replacing “24 weeks” with “20 weeks,” making the state’s law significantly more restrictive. This is in direct contrast to several promises previously made by the legislative majority, including Gov. Kelly Ayotte, during the 2024 campaign cycle.

The bill is scheduled for a public hearing before the House Judiciary Committee today, Wednesday, February 25, at 1:00 PM. Reproductive Equity Now plans to testify in opposition, alongside advocates, providers, and constituents who oppose further restrictions on abortion access in New Hampshire. You can watch REN’s testimony and the full hearing HERE.

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