From slot machines to abortion pills: Nevada’s disturbing new tourism industry

By Melissa Clement  A

Nevada News and Views

Nevada has always been known for tourism—casinos, shows, Hoover Dam, and the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

But thanks to Democrats and Planned Parenthood, our state is now earning another label: abortion tourism.

According to 8 News Now, Planned Parenthood’s North Las Vegas center has already seen patients from eight states outside Nevada and California just since April.

These aren’t women traveling for entertainment or family trips. They’re coming here for one thing — abortion drugs.

That’s not something Nevada should be proud of.

Turning Nevada Into an Abortion Hub

Democrats like Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui are pushing laws to make abortion even easier and less accountable.

Her bill, Assembly Bill 411, would have stripped doctors’ names off abortion drug prescriptions.

The pitch was that it would “protect” providers from threats. But in reality, it would make it harder to hold anyone accountable when something goes wrong.

Every other kind of prescription — from antibiotics to painkillers — lists the provider’s name. Why should abortion pills get special treatment?

The real reason is obvious: abortion activists don’t just want abortion legal in Nevada. They want Nevada to become the go-to destination for women in other states where protections for unborn children still exist.

The Dangers of “Abortion Tourism”

Let’s be clear. Abortion drugs aren’t risk-free.

The FDA itself warns that chemical abortions can lead to heavy bleeding, infection, or worse if complications arise.

And when a woman flies in from out of state, gets the pills, and goes home, who takes responsibility if she ends up in the ER?

No one. That’s the dark reality behind “abortion tourism.”

Women are left to face the fallout alone, while abortion providers and their political allies wash their hands of any accountability.

By pushing AB411, Democrats were trying to make it even harder to track who prescribed these drugs.

That’s not healthcare. That’s recklessness.

Planned Parenthood’s Business Model

Planned Parenthood and its allies like to call abortion “care.”

But let’s not kid ourselves. This is about money and power. The more out-of-state women they attract, the more abortions they perform, and the more political clout they gain.

Denise Lopez, who leads Nevada Campaigns for Reproductive Freedom, said doctors are still providing “lifesaving care” despite challenges.

But abortion doesn’t save lives — it ends them. And it does so at a profit.

Turning Nevada into a safe haven for abortion tourism lines Planned Parenthood’s pockets while putting both women and unborn children at risk.

Lombardo’s Veto Was the Right Move

Thankfully, Governor Joe Lombardo stepped in and vetoed AB411.

He saw the problem with hiding doctors’ names on abortion drug prescriptions. Transparency matters. Accountability matters.

If anything, Nevada needs more safeguards, not fewer.

If Democrats had their way, our state would become a revolving door for abortion tourism, with little to no oversight.

Nevada shouldn’t be proud to be known as the abortion capital of the West.

We should be known for protecting families, helping women in real crisis, and offering better choices — like adoption, prenatal care, and support for parents.

Instead of luring women here for abortions, we should be building a culture that values life.

Assembly Bill 411 was a step in the wrong direction. Thankfully, Governor Lombardo stopped it.

But the fight isn’t over. Democrats and Planned Parenthood will keep trying to expand abortion tourism.

And pro-life Nevadans must keep standing firm, speaking the truth, and making sure our state is known for more than slot machines and abortions.

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Melissa Clement is President of Nevada Right to Life and has served in her role since 2007, representing Nevada on pro-life boards as well.