“We state unequivocally that any measure seeking to criminalize or punish women is not pro-life and we stand firmly opposed to such efforts,” more than 70 national and state anti-abortion groups wrote in an open letter Thursday.
The letter’s signatories include National Right to Life, Susan B. Anthony List, Americans United for Life, March for Life Action and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The national anti-abortion groups do not single out a state in their letter or mention specific legislation or policy.
Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, told CNN that the letter was prompted in part by the Louisiana law and the uncertainty of what states may do in the event Roe is overturned, and also to counter the abortion rights rallies this upcoming weekend, which may point to the law as reason to back their cause.
“We’re not interested in penalizing women,” she said, adding that they would want abortion providers to be held accountable.
The organizations say that if Roe is overturned, “this will be a tremendous opportunity for states to create durable policy that can stand the test of time.”
“But in seizing that opportunity, we must ensure that the laws we advance to protect unborn children do not harm their mothers,” they say.
They argue that women are “victims of abortion and require our compassion and support as well as ready access to counseling and social services in the days, weeks, months and years following an abortion.”
CNN’s Chuck Johnston contributed to this report.