Planned Statement on Forced Hysterectomies in ICE Detention Center

Minneapolis, MN— Reports recently came to light of immigrant women being forced into hysterectomies while in an ICE detention center. In response to the horrifying news, Planned Parenthood North Central States released the below statement:

“All people deserve full bodily autonomy and the reports of forced hysterectomies of women held by ICE are morally abhorrent and completely unacceptable,” said Sarah Stoesz, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. “This newest report is sadly part of a long history of racism, mistreatment, and reproductive coercion of women of color in health care in the United States, and we must all work collectively to confront this terrible injustice. The fact that women, particularly Black, Indigenous and women of color, continue to be robbed of their reproductive futures is deplorable and must be stopped once and for all.”

Planned Parenthood North Central States and its subsidiary organizations provide, promote, and protect reproductive and sexual health through high-quality care, education and advocacy. A member of America’s most trusted reproductive health care provider, our affiliate is proud to support and operate 29 health centers across our five-state region (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota). Each year, we provide health care to nearly 115,000 people and health education to more than 99,000 people in our region.