[1]Democrats[2]Join us.
“There is a deep lack of humanity.” That line stuck with me as I traveled across my home state, amplifying the stories of Georgians navigating one of the strictest abortion bans in America.

Team, I’m Akeima Young, the DNC’s Video Director. Today, on the fourth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, I’m humbled to share the stories of Olama, Zuri, and Shanette in the DNC’s newest mini-doc, We went to Georgia: The maternal healthcare crisis will shock you.

You can watch it here: [link removed]

As Republicans try to silence our voices and control our bodies, sharing our stories is a crucial act of resistance. If there’s one thing to take away from these conversations, it’s the deep lack of humanity involved in not only the Court’s decision in 2022, but in states legislating away women’s rights to these necessary reproductive procedures and doctors’ ability to practice evidence based medicine.

Each of these women has experienced firsthand what it is to live as a Black woman in the South with limited reproductive freedom.

Olama was denied critical care during a miscarriage because of the strict ban on the procedure she needed.

Zuri, an OBGYN in Atlanta, now faces a new level of fear and uncertainty in her practice, as many procedures have been made a felony in the state.

Shanette lost her daughter, Amber, after doctors severely delayed her necessary care — one of many preventable deaths at the hands of anti-choice legislators.

Abortion bans impact real people every single day, and it’s all happening right in front of our eyes.

I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the privilege of giving these women a microphone and letting them know that their voices matter.

As a queer Black person from Georgia, I found these women and their stories all too familiar. In them I saw myself, my friends, my family, my community. And I hope these stories have as powerful an impact on you as they did on me.

Giving these women a platform to reach millions of people is only one of the ways my team at the DNC is fighting back against abortion bans. We’re telling stories that need to be heard from folks all over the country — stories the 24-hour news cycle might otherwise forget.

As a filmmaker, I deeply believe in the power of storytelling, and I know the kind of change that’s possible when a story moves someone. If one person sees a video, reads an email and feels seen, or is compelled to action, then I know it’s working. Because the way we build a movement for change has always been the same — one person at a time.

Olama put it perfectly: “We need to show up on voting day, and we need to let these people know that the decisions that they’re trying to make for us are not going to fly.”

Team, if you’re ready to take action today, please consider chipping in to the DNC to help us continue sharing stories, empowering voters, and electing Democrats at all levels who will continue fighting for your rights day-in and day-out.

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Thank you so much,

Akeima

Akeima Young
DNC Video Director
 


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