**Content Warning: Mental health struggles, medical trauma, rape**


John,

Let's just come right out and say it: Abortion bans are not about "health" or "safety," though the anti-choice movement loves to use those buzzwords. Banning abortion is about control and subjugation. It's no surprise, then, that the onslaught of vicious bans being proposed, passed, and signed by Republicans nationwide is already having a detrimental impact on the mental health of those affected.

Maybe you read the story about two friends in Florida who had miscarriages at the same time, but were denied care because of Florida's ban. One of the women almost died, and both were deeply scarred by their experiences.

Or maybe you read about the woman in Texas who was also denied care during a miscarriage until she was in septic shock. Neither of her senators (Ted Cruz (R) and John Cornyn (R)) had the decency to attend when she came to the Senate to testify, but she addressed them directly when she said she almost died on their watch. Her miscarriage happened nine months ago, and she has been struggling with depression and PTSD ever since.

Or, speaking of Republicans with no respect for mental health, maybe you heard Rep. Lauren Boebert say that rape victims need love and a gun, but not access to an abortion.

Maybe you've seen these stories, or maybe you haven't, but you still know -- protecting mental health means protecting the right to choose. Fighting for reproductive rights means more than fighting for the right to an abortion. It also means fighting for our safety, our well-being, and our freedom.

I'm proud to work every day to elect women I know will fight for me -- and for all of us. If you're able, join me in honoring Mental Health Awareness Month with a donation to EMILYs List today:

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Thank you for your support,

Katie Presley (they/she)
Deputy Director of Digital Fundraising, EMILYs List



EMILYs List
P.O. Box 96612
Washington, DC 20077
United States


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