Heinrich Joins Colleagues to Reintroduce Resolution Recognizing Abortion Providers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) to reintroduce a resolution honoring abortion providers and staff by designating March 10, 2026 as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day."

The Abortion Provider Appreciation Day resolution affirms that abortion providers are valued as they provide reproductive care despite pressures, restrictions, political interference, and threats to their personal safety. It also highlights the essential role that these providers play in providing safe access to reproductive health care, including abortions. The introduction of this resolution follows a 2024 report by the National Abortion Federation, which shows continued incidences of violence and harassment like stalking and death threats directed at patients, abortion care providers, and volunteers.

The resolution was inspired by Dr. David Gunn, an abortion provider who was killed outside his clinic in Pensacola, Florida by a white supremacist and anti-abortion extremist in the first known murder of an abortion provider. To honor his legacy, Abortion Provider Appreciation Day was established on March 10, 1996 as a day to show appreciation for the essential, high-quality care that abortion providers and staff provide to their communities and to celebrate their courage and dedication.

The Abortion Provider Appreciation Day Resolution demonstrates a commitment to abortion providers and staff by:

• Recognizing March 10, 2026 as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to celebrate the courage of abortion providers and the high-quality care they provide to patients and families across the country;
• Lauding communities who proudly support their abortion providers and staff;
• Affirming the commitment of Congress to ensuring the safety of these health professionals, their ability to continue providing the essential reproductive care their patients need, and the right of patients to access abortion care regardless of where they live, free from violence and threats;
• Condemning the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court to limit abortion care, which had a devastating impact on abortion providers and the communities they care for, threatening their livelihoods; and
• Declaring a vision for a future liberated from all abortion restrictions and bans, and affirming the commitment of Congress to working toward this future with providers, patients, advocates, and their communities.

The Abortion Provider Appreciation Day Resolution is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), National Abortion Federation (NAF), National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), Physicians for Reproductive Health, Reproductive Freedom for All, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), the Guttmacher Institute, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Women's Law Center, National Partnership for Women & Families, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom for All, Ipas, National Organization for Women, Ibis Reproductive Health, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equality (URGE), National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF), and the National Organization for Women.

The resolution is led by Hirono and Peters. Alongside Heinrich, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In the House, the resolution is led by U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.).

The full text of the resolution is here.

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