John,
After arriving at the clinic in Oklahoma City for her appointment, “M” was informed that the facility had to shut down because of an executive order from Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt banning most abortions during COVID-19.1
“M” (who asked not to use her full name) says she immediately broke down. She had just lost her job because of the coronavirus and already has two kids. She was able to get an appointment for the next day at a clinic in Wichita, Kansas but without a reliable car, she had to ask a friend to drive her there – a two-and-a-half-hour trip each way.
At the clinic in Kansas she said, “There were so many people there from so many different states, and I only think about how many couldn't make it." Eight states have already attempted to enact temporary restrictions on abortion access during this pandemic. It’s absolutely unacceptable and we must fight back.
Join us for an urgent webinar this Thursday, May 7 with #VoteProChoice to discuss the state of abortion bans across the country and how you can help fight back.
RSVP now »
Republicans are exploiting this crisis to limit access to reproductive health care and advance their anti-abortion agenda. After long legal battles, abortion rights in Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas have been restored, but temporary bans are still in place in West Virginia and currently pending in Mississippi.
We can’t emphasize enough how much permanent damage these attacks will have if we don’t fight back hard and fast.
Clinics that were forced to shut down don’t know if they’ll financially be able to re-open later on. More and more conservative states are feeling emboldened to use emergency measures to strip away access to abortion services. It sets a dangerous precedent that will continue to hurt us even after this crisis ends.
If we keep organizing and cranking up the pressure, we can make sure every state that’s taking advantage of this crisis to attack abortion rights is held accountable.
Our panelists for the webinar include:
- Rep. Celia Israel, Texas House of Representatives
- Brianna Twofoot Boulette, National Organizing Director, Planned Parenthood Action Fund
- Jordan Goldberg, Director of Policy, National Institute of Reproductive Health
- Mary Drummer, Campaign Manager at MoveOn.org
- Heidi Sieck, CEO at #VoteProChoice (co-moderator)
- Rachel Carmona, Chief Operating Officer, Women’s March (co-moderator)
There will be time for Q&A so make sure to bring your questions. RSVP now while space is available.
Hope to see you there,
Rachel Carmona
Women's March Team
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The well-being and safety of everyone is the utmost concern of Women’s March during this crisis.
This is a difficult time for many. That’s why we’re only asking you to donate if you can afford to do so. We want you to take care of your loved ones first.
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1 - NPR