John,

Yesterday, Politico [1] leaked a draft of a Supreme Court opinion that shows a vote to strike down Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion and overturning 50 years of precedent, not to mention going against a majority of people in this country who believe Roe should stay. [2]

Let us be clear:

This is a devastating revelation and a gross bulldozing of individual rights. We are outraged but we are also prepared.

We have been preparing for this moment. The fight is on.

The tools at our disposal are clear: abortion funds, clinics and their devoted staff and volunteers, uplifting and dispensing abortion pills, and of course direct action.

We have put our bodies on the line before. We have gone face-to-face with the opposition, linked arms in support, and shown up to show strength. We are ready to do it again. Join us.

Reproductive rights in this country is already a two-tiered system with many unable to access clinic-based care due to restrictive bans in their communities and inability to afford abortion care. These are felt acutely on the basis of geography, race, gender, sexuality, age, ability, and class privilege.

This fight is not new but now it is imminent. It is time for all of us who desire to and can, to stand together in bold, direct action.

Sincerely,

Erin Matson
Executive Director, Reproaction

P.S. It’s not just abortion. Contraception, consensual sexual activity, trans equality, and same-sex marriage are all at risk. Let’s not compromise on ANY issue that takes away the agency, independence, and decision-making power of people.

[1] https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/02/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-00029473

[2] https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/05/06/about-six-in-ten-americans-say-abortion-should-be-legal-in-all-or-most-cases/