John,

At a time when rights are hard-won and even harder to defend, we’ve just won two landmark victories for a woman’s right to access abortion AND for clinics and providers to be free from the extremist violence that threatens providers nationwide.

VICTORY #1:  On Tuesday  the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state’s abortion providers delivering a huge victory in Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

The Court ruled that the state’s s abortion providers could challenge the ban on Medicaid coverage for abortion on the basis that it constituted sex discrimination under Pennsylvania’s Equal Rights Amendment and as a violation of the Equal Protection provisions of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

VICTORY #2:  The same day a federal jury in Nashville, Tennesee found six anti-abortion extremists associated with the national anti-abortion group Operation Save America guilty for their obstruction of a local abortion clinic and intimidation of patients and staff. They face potential prison sentences of up to 11 years and fines of $250,000.

Victories Made Possible by the Power of Commitment  and Persistence

Make no mistake.  These victories were neither easy nor quick.

In Pennsylvania it has taken 5 years of extensive skill and dedication by the Women’s Law Project to bring the case to victory on the right to medicaid abortions. The Court relied on the Equal Rights Amendment that was ratified in 1972—a year before Roe v. Wade—after years of hard-fought battles by feminists and women’s rights group in that state.

AND - just as important as the right to abortion, it has been the mission of the Feminist Majority, through our Foundation’s Clinic Access Project, to make certain patients, physicians and nurses are protected at the clinics from the threats and violence of the anti-abortion extremists with their history of murder, fire-bombing and intimidation.

With the help of caring and committed folks like you we’ve worked for 30 years to provide security and legal assistance to clinics, and have mobilized and battled for years until the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE) was passed.

What Do These Victories Mean?

PENNSYLVANIA VICTORY.       The decision not only reflects the Feminist Majority’s  32 years of commitment to gender equality, but sets a precedent that resonates far beyond Pennsylvania’s borders.  This triumph is the legal affirmation of the importance of placing the Equal Rights Amendment into the U.S. Constitution.  Only then will reproductive health rights and so many other personal freedoms like birth control, marriage equality be permanently protected from the whims of right-wing Republican politicians and a reactionary U.S. Supreme Court.

Pennsylvania boldly led the nation by integrating the Equal Rights Amendment into their state constitution, establishing the strongest ERA provisions in the United States. This historic action, taken two years before the pivotal Roe v. Wade decision, underscored Pennsylvania's role as a trailblazer in the fight for gender equality. The foresight and determination of our predecessors have laid a foundation that continues to protect and advance our rights today.  

Today.  It’s up to each of us to do our part to see that gender equality and the protections of the ERA are extended nationwide by demanding that Congress place the already-ratified Equal Rights Amendment into the Constitution.

TENNESSEE VICTORY.   We know that even when abortion is legal it’s not always safely accessible.  Using murder, fire-bombing, threats and intimidation the anti-woman, anti-choice zealots continue to wage their reactionary war against women and abortion providers.

And so we must continue our relentless pursuit to not only win legal access to abortion nationwide through the ERA, but together we must continue our 24/7, 365 days a year effort to protect providers and insure that the federal laws are vigorously enforced.

These Victories Belong to You

In so many ways these victories belong to every woman and man supporting our cause.  Whether it’s volunteering, sharing information with friends, or simply standing with us in solidarity, it is the unwavering support of caring folks like you that advances and protects our freedoms.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, let us also acknowledge that our work is far from over. These victories are but steps -- significant and important as they are -- our ongoing journey to reach full equality and justice for all, regardless of gender must go on.

Each of us  must remain vigilant and continue to support each other, as we push  forward with renewed energy and determination.

With heartfelt thanks and unyielding commitment to our shared cause,

Eleanor Smeal, President

The Feminist Majority and the Feminist Majority Foundation

P.S.  I want to express and extra note of gratitude to the Women’s Law Project.  It is their determination and skill –and 5 years of persistence—that steered the Pennsylvania Medicaid abortion case to victory.   

Thank you.