As we reflect on the past year of successes and challenges, we are so thankful for the support and strength of the PPADMV community during yet another tumultuous year. The fight for reproductive rights nationally and in our region will continue into the new year and beyond, and we hope that you will continue to be a part of this important work.

In the Courts

As many of you know, on December 10, the Supreme Court again failed to protect Texans’ constitutional right to abortion by allowing a law banning abortion at six weeks of pregnancy to remain in effect. While this ban is exclusive to abortion in Texas, the Supreme Court’s recent rulings highlight the danger reproductive care faces in our country and we join in the fight to support patients in Texas.

On December 1, PPADMV joined partners at the Abortion Is Essential: Rally for Our Rights outside of the Supreme Court as the Court heard oral arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case that challenges the Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks and in which Mississippi directly asks the Court to overrule Roe v. Wade. While this case is focused on Mississippi’s abortion ban, its impact will be felt nationwide. The night before arguments, many of you met with us for a sign-making event to create signs for the rally and conduct a phone bank to call on more people to join us - thank you for your dedicated advocacy.

Maryland

In the new year, we’re ramping up for a continued fight to protect and expand abortion access in our region. In Maryland, we’re preparing for the 2022 legislative session to work with partners to expand coverage for abortion care and remove barriers that qualified providers of abortion continue to face. Interested in getting involved? We seek to engage with patients and provider storytellers as well as strengthen the Generation Action student group at John Hopkins University for the upcoming session - be sure to stay connected with us for the latest opportunities to get involved, and never hesitate to reach out directly.

Virginia

We’re also preparing for the legislative session in Virginia, where we plan to stand once again with our partners to fight for Virginians’ access to reproductive health care. After the elections of anti-reproductive health care Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin and an anti-reproductive health majority in the Virginia House of Delegates, we’re prepared to fight any attack on abortion access in Virginia and protect our recent wins. Join us.

DC

In DC, in 2022 we will continue to work in coalition to fight for statehood and against Congress’s ability to meddle in DC’s local affairs. Learn more about how DC Statehood is about justice on our blog here. We will also continue our work on the Expanding Student Access to Period Products Act, which will require DC schools to provide free products in bathrooms and establish a comprehensive menstrual health curriculum for all students. The DC Council Office of Racial Equity assessed that the bill would likely improve the lives of DC’s Black and brown residents. Read more about the bill here on our blog.

We want to thank everyone who has been a part of this work to protect and expand reproductive rights in the DC, Maryland, and NoVa regions this past year. We are energized by your support and look forward to the continued ways we can work together to ensure everyone has access to the reproductive care they need.

On behalf of all of us at PPADMV, best wishes for a safe and healthy new year.



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Planned Parenthood Advocates of DC, Maryland & NoVa
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