Planned Parenthood Advocates for DC, Maryland, & NoVa |
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Dear Advocates,
May 2nd, 2023 marked the first anniversary of the leaked draft decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the landmark case in which -almost one year ago- the Supreme Court of the United States ruled to effectively overturn Roe v. Wade. In the eleven months since that devastating decision, Planned Parenthood Advocates for DC, Maryland & NoVa (PPADMV) has fought tirelessly to protect and expand abortion access and we are proud to say abortion remains legal in DC, Maryland, and Virginia – but the fight continues.
PPADMV’s team has doubled in size within the last year as we prepare for what lies ahead of us. With new and more extreme abortion bans and anti-trans bills being introduced almost daily, a critical Virginia election cycle this November, and Maryland’s constitutional amendment referendum and a presidential election on the horizon in 2024, it’s important we stay focused.
Public Policy Updates
Mifepristone Case -
On Wednesday, May 17th, the hostile Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard an oral argument in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the case involving mifepristone. As a reminder this case was filed by anti-abortion organizations and activists against the FDA seeking to revoke its approval of mifepristone. Mifepristone is the first drug in the two drug process for a medication abortion. The case has the potential to remove mifepristone from the market entirely, which would decrease accessibility for medication abortion, even in states where abortion remains legal. As it stands, mifepristone remains available.
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On April 14, PPADMV, Planned Parenthood Advocates for Virginia, ACLU of Virginia, and the ACLU of DC hosted a second teach-in on the mifepristone case following the multiple court rulings issued earlier that week. Attendees learned what these rulings mean for DC, Maryland, and Virginia and ways to defend and protect access to mifepristone. If you missed the teach-in, you can watch it here (Passcode: Zz2.#HT2).
Over the Counter Birth Control -
On Wednesday, May 10th, the FDA Advisory Committee unanimously voted to recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill, Opill, to be used for OTC without any age restrictions. This is a big step for reproductive rights and birth control access. While this was not the FDA’s final decision in ensuring over-the-counter access to birth control, this does offer a strong, science-based recommendation for OTC birth control.
DC Mifepristone Rally and Speak Out |
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On Saturday, April 15th, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC (PPMW) in partnership with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), hosted a rally in direct response to unprecedented rulings from a Texas federal court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Over 1,000 people from across DC, Maryland, and Virginia stood outside the Supreme Court of the United States to protect access to mifepristone, the first drug used in the two-step regimen for a medication abortion. This rally featured eleven speakers representing providers, abortion storytellers, abortion funds, and partner organizations including PPMW’s CEO Dr. Laura Meyers and Co-Directors of Primary Care Dr. Divya Shenoy and Dr. Stephanie Purnell, the Baltimore Abortion Fund, the DC Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood Advocates for Virginia, and the ACLU of DC. Thank you to everyone who showed up, watched the livestream, and volunteered. We could not have done this without your support!
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Maryland -
Maryland ended its legislative session on a high note, not only striking down harmful anti-abortion bills but also implementing several pro-abortion ones to expand and protect access. Governor Wes Moore signed the 2023 Reproductive Freedom Package into law, strengthening protections for abortion patients, providers, and support networks and also requiring that public campuses provide 24/7 access to emergency contraceptives – this legislation is the first in the nation. The Reproductive Freedom Package's passage sets up a November 2024 referendum to vote on a constitutional amendment, where Marylanders will ultimately decide whether to enshrine the right to prevent, continue, or end a pregnancy into the state constitution.
Washington, DC - PPADMV has been keeping watch on the DC Councils legislative session. As things pick up over the summer, PPADMV will be working to move and support legislation related to sexual and reproductive health rights.
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PPADMV continues to support DC Statehood efforts. DC Statehood is essential to ensuring reproductive freedom for all people living in DC and those coming to us seeking care that is illegal and inaccessible in their home state. If you’re interested in learning more about DC statehood and reproductive freedom, read here.
Virginia -
PPADMV was thrilled that the Virginia legislative session ended in February with all proposed abortion bans defeated. The slim pro-abortion majority in the Virginia Senate was able to block all attempts to pass abortion bans, reconfirming how important elections are in protecting and expanding reproductive rights and freedom for all people. This is a critical election year in Virginia and we must work together to protect and expand a pro-abortion majority in both the General Assembly and the Senate.
Advocacy Updates
Maryland
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Throughout the 2023 Maryland legislative session, Planned Parenthood of Maryland (PPM) and PPADMV supporters from across Maryland sent over 1,000 emails in support of reproductive freedom for all Marylanders. As we look ahead to 2024’s constitutional amendment, make sure to follow Planned Parenthood of Maryland (@ppmaryland) and PPADMV (@ppadmv) to stay up to date on future actions including phone-banking and canvassing opportunities.
Virginia -
PPADMV supported our partners at PPAV at the Women Empowerment Forum in Arlington hosted by The Arlington Young Democrats and Arlington Democrats Women’s Caucus. This event allowed community members to hear from different organizations and to collect donations for survivors of domestic violence. Attendees were updated on the recent attacks on abortion access in surrounding states and were reminded how critical it is Virginia remains a safe haven for abortion rights for both Virginians and those traveling to seek care from nearby areas.
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On May 3rd, PPADMV and PPAV hosted a meet and greet in Northern Virginia where attendees were able to meet PPADMV’s new DMV Community Organizer. The organizers met with volunteers and supporters in the NoVa area to update them on the work being done by both affiliates and ways they can get involved. The attendees not only were able to meet the new organizers from PPADMV and PPAV, but they also got to connect with other activists in their community and signup for upcoming events together!
Washington, DC -
PPMW and PPADMV relaunched our Ambassadors Program for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 25 new advocates were trained to represent Planned Parenthood’s values and goals in efforts to expand awareness of PPADMV and increase PPADMV’s capacity for community engagement. Are you an organization looking to partner with our Ambassadors? Send us an email at [email protected]!
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PPADMV attended the Rally for Reproductive Freedom at Howard University where attendees heard the importance of reproductive freedom from NARAL, PPFA, Emily’s List, and ACLU. PPMW’s Howard University’s PPGenAction President also spoke addressing how powerful young voters are in the fight to protect and defend abortion! Finally, Vice President Kamala Harris recommitted the Biden administration to protecting and securing reproductive rights and, alongside each of the partner orgs, highlighted the need to continue the fight against anti-abortion extremists.
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Visit ppadmv.org for more information. Planned Parenthood Advocates of DC, Maryland & NoVa
1225 4th St NE
Washington, DC 20002
United States |
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