John,

In the forty-eight years since Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has upheld the right of women to make our own decisions about our reproductive healthcare.

Until yesterday.

The Trump conservative Supreme Court voted 5-4 in favor of a dangerous and unconstitutional attack on women railroaded by the Texas legislature.

This decision, plain and simply, bans abortions at six weeks—which statistically means 85% of abortions that were legal in Texas under Roe v. Wade, are no longer legal. The law makes no exceptions for rape, sexual abuse, or incest. It also encourages neighbors and strangers to report anyone who "aids and abets" an abortion with each violation imposing a $10,000 fine. It's not just health care providers who are targeted; a driver could be sued for transporting a patient to her appointment,  or the office assistant at a women's health clinic could be sued for providing information.

We all know banning abortion doesn't stop abortion; but it does make it less safe. It also disproportionately harms low-income women and women of color.  It’s an unfair, unsafe and incredibly damaging precedent.

One thing is for certain – politicians and Trump appointed judges must be stopped. 

On behalf of 21 states, I took on the Trump Administration's cruel Title X "gag rule" to protect the healthcare of Oregon women and millions across the United States. 

Now please join me in calling on Congress to send a strong and unequivocal message to restore reproductive freedom by securing the right to abortion in law.

It’s up to every single one of us to fight. 

Thank you for your support, I hope you will join me in encouraging Congress to codify Roe v. Wade and protect women – before it is too late.

Sincerely,

Ellen