I attended the New Hampshire #Fight4HER Summit last Saturday. First, our organizer, Hannah Lammers, was outstanding. She has clearly integrated herself into the community and really understands our issues and their impact on NH. Hannah’s two summer fellows, Paige and Fiona, also did an amazing job organizing, presenting, and running their own break-out sessions during the event.

Following the presentation, Fiona read a personal letter from Senator Jeanne Shaheen, thanking the attendees for being there and highlighting #Fight4HER’s work in that state. Rep. Chris Pappas then gave a moving video speech about the horrors of the Global Gag Rule as well as the importance of passing legislation to codify Roe v. Wade, protect a women’s right to choose, and increase funding for international family planning programs. He urged the advocates to do everything they can to get out the vote this election season. I thought it was great to see the strong relationships #Fight4HER NH has made with New Hampshire’s elected officials, and how important it is to have them on our side in Congress. 

The keynote speaker was Michelle Cilley Foisy. Michelle is an abortion advocate focused on both the US Congress and NH legislature. She attended the State of the Union Address this year as a guest of Senator Shaheen. Michelle gave a moving speech sharing her own abortion story and her journey to becoming an advocate and public speaker. She reminded the audience that abortion is healthcare, and abortion bans are killing people. Twenty years ago, Michelle had no problems receiving the care she needed, and her procedure was fully covered by her insurance! She emphasized the importance of winning elections to protect our freedoms and that of future generations. I think the whole room was in tears at one point! 

The morning session wrapped up with a panel discussion moderated by Hannah that included Emma Dolan, Professional Doula and Founder of Queer Conception Group, Mary Georges, Executive Director of New Americans Provider Organization, Tochi Nwoke, Manchester Community Resource Center Program Manager and Menstrual Hygiene Education Project Manager at Nigerian Internally Displaced Persons, and activist Michelle Cilley Foisy. The four panelists answered questions on the global impacts of US policies, how these policies impact people at home in New Hampshire, and how to get involved in the community and fight for reproductive justice.

Finally, everyone broke into sessions that included learning how to craft a powerful personal narrative and find your voice as an activist, understanding your power within the media, and how to become an abortion doula. The event concluded with a moving video from Lucille Ann Mann with Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights and a call to action from Hannah about how to get involved with the #Fight4HER because “We Aren’t Going Back!”

Heading into October, the #Fight4HER Campaign is embarking on a door-to-door canvassing campaign to discuss reproductive rights with potential voters in each target district. Volunteer opportunities to help with this work are available for any members and supporters who live in or near these districts. If you're so inclined, we also welcome donations to Population Connection Action Fund to help fuel this work during the final weeks of the election season. 

Population Connection Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization, so donations are not tax deductible, but go directly toward our efforts to elect family planning champions to Congress and the White House. 

Your gift today will go directly to the #Fight4HER campaign.

Help us elect family planning champions in November.