Content warning: This email contains the details of the tragic death of a young woman due to complications from an unsafe, illegal abortion.
Hi John,
On the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the right to safe, legal abortion hangs in the balance. But Roe v. Wade has always been the bare minimum when it comes to protecting abortion rights in the United States — the reality is that abortion access is already too expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to access for millions of poor, Black, Brown, and working people.
Today, we want to share the story of Rosie Jimenez, and commit to the work ahead to secure reproductive justice for all. But first, will you sign on to our petition demanding that the Senate takes action to codify abortion access into federal law with the Women’s Health Protection Act?
Sign now »
27-year-old Rosie Jimenez was the first known woman to die from an illegal abortion after the passage of the Hyde Amendment in 1978 — five years after Roe v. Wade.
A single mother and a nursing student with two years left until she achieved her degree, Rosie became pregnant. Rosie knew her circumstances and life well enough to know that she could not raise another child, but because her government-funded insurance would no longer cover abortion care, she sought out an unsafe illegal abortion and died in intensive care a week later after developing a severe infection which caused hemorrhaging, vomiting, and ultimately heart failure.
Rosie’s story is horrific, but not unique. Access to a safe abortion has been limited and out-right denied in states across the country — forcing pregnant people into the same situation as Rosie.
We must not only protect Roe v. Wade but expand abortion access and prioritize care for communities that need it most so we can reach true reproductive justice for all.
Pennsylvania State Representative and Congressional candidate, Summer Lee understands and has been fighting for policies which uphold reproductive justice and freedom for years.
If you believe in this work and want to honor Rosie Jimenez and the stories of those like her, told and untold, please add your name today so every person — regardless of race or income — can access the care they deserve.
Sign now »
The future of Roe v. Wade is uncertain, but one key way to change that is to elect Congressmembers, like Summer, who’ll enshrine these crucial reproductive rights into law and fight back.
— Team Summer Lee
PAID FOR BY SUMMER LEE FOR CONGRESS
