Dear John
As I’m sure many of you saw this week, the right-wing Supreme Court’s planned decision to overturn Roe v Wade was leaked. Let’s be clear - outlawing abortion will not end abortion in the United States; it will only lead to more people dying. People will continue to seek abortion in a post-Roe world just as they did before 1973, but they will be putting themselves in danger and extreme hardship to do so. This decision is about control. Control over what millions of people can do with their bodies and the options they can exercise for their future. The average person who seeks an abortion is a young, low-income woman of color, and if she is forced to have that child, it could derail her entire life.
The right to an abortion upon request has been an essential tool for personal freedom and economic liberation for millions in this country. It is the cornerstone of my feminist beliefs that everyone, regardless of gender or class, must be awarded every opportunity to pursue the life that they want. Forcing millions of people to endure pregnancy and childbirth in a country with one of the highest infant mortality rates in the developed world is horrific.
So what can we do?
To start, this is not over. This is an unprecedented leak from the Supreme Court, and we should take it as a sign that unless we demonstrate in the streets, this is the future we have in store. Continue to march and organize to make this Court fearful of what a post-Roe America looks like.
Second, abortion funds across the country need your help. Clinics from Arkansas to South Dakota need your help to keep the doors open and ensure people sometimes traveling hundreds of miles have the support they need to get an abortion. The National Network of Abortion Funds supports dozens of clinics across this country and needs your help now.
On the legislative front, our state codified Roe into law in 2019, so no one in our state will lose their rights regardless of the prerogative of this Supreme Court. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t more work to be done. There are several pieces of legislation Albany must take up before Roe is struck down to ensure anyone seeking an abortion in New York can easily and legally obtain one. We’ve listed them below, and if your representative isn’t signed on, now is the time to give them a call.
- S8778 would protect abortion providers by prohibiting law enforcement from cooperating with out-of-state investigations related to abortion
- S758 would establish a state fund for abortion access and allows New Yorkers to contribute to the fund through their income tax returns
- S7002 would require that all private insurance plans in New York that offer maternity care coverage also cover abortion care
- Finally, The New York Health Act (S5474/A6058) would provide free universal healthcare coverage to all New Yorkers and those working full-time in the state, including reproductive health.
Finally, on the City level, I am working with my colleagues to guarantee that our budget ensures those seeking an abortion in our City can get one. Already, hundreds of people travel to New York City every year to obtain an abortion, and in a post-Roe world, that number will only increase. Not only do we need to ensure people can obtain this necessary medical procedure, but that the journey is financial and personally feasible. Much of this is still in discussion, but I want you to know as your Council Member, this is one of my top priorities going into budget discussions this summer.
The Supreme Court had hoped we would roll over and accept this terrible decision, but we are not going back. Politics in this country is different now; working people, women, and nearly every marginalized community have a real voice in our political system now. We refuse to be silent while the far-right attempts to steamroll our scared rights.
COVID-19
After a momentary lull, cases are back on the rise again, accompanied by a slight increase in hospitalizations. This is concerning as our City is averaging over 200 positive tests out of every 100,000 tests, moving us into the “medium” alert level - but what does this mean? The primary guidance is to exercise more caution when being in a crowded indoor setting and, when possible, wear a high-quality mask. Additionally, as I say every week if you’re not already boosted, now is the time. Continued to get tested regularly and if you’re having trouble obtaining a test, remember that every branch of the Brooklyn Public Library has free at-home testing kits for you to take home. In our City, there is no reason to pay for a test. Also, if you have health insurance, it’s likely your plan covers a certain number of at-home tests that you can pick up from your local pharmacy! One of our staffers was able to pick up six at-home tests a month on their insurance plan, so stop by a pharmacy and check out what your plan can get you.
Community Bulletin
- Our office will begin hosting in-person Constituent Services by appointment one day a week starting very soon. More details to come on our website!
- Please flag any subway stations you know of that need cleaning, and we will pass these issues along to the MTA. Please email us at [email protected] with the following information: (1) location, (2) train line, (3) and the issue.
- Are you passionate about democracy, participatory budgeting, and civic engagement? New York City’s Civic Engagement Commission is hiring!
- Sign up for the Prospect Park Family Fun Ride on Saturday, June 6th. All are welcome to join this FREE community event. Free CitiBikes are available for those 16 and older with registration.
- We all know the most memorable night at the MET isn't the MET Gala - it’s when Teens Take the Met! If you’re a teen, check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a special evening of art, creativity, and culture on Friday, May 20th, from 5 pm to 8 pm.
- From Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga, and Sunset Yoga to Amp’d Bootcamp, Pilates, and Zumba, Brooklyn Bridge Park has a broad range of weekly workouts running from May to the end of September this year. Check them out!
- The Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP), in partnership with the Brooklyn Library’s Business & Career Services Center and the Brooklyn Small Business Development Center, is hosting a virtual legal clinic for entrepreneurs. It’s an opportunity to receive FREE legal advice during a 45-minute consultation with a volunteer attorney on matters relating to business entity formation and governance. Registration is required.
- PS 321 families have access to discounted books through their No Place for Hate Book Club program! Check out this collection of age-appropriate books for your kids on topics like family, race, gender, and ability.
- Did you know that in every class of 30 students, 5 or 6 of them have dyslexia? Most will not be identified for years, and many never are. Join Dyslexia Awareness Day on May 12th to learn more on how to support the dyslexic community and those with related learning disabilities legislatively and otherwise!
Last, but certainly not least, happy Mother’s Day! My mother is the reason I’ve built fearlessness and confidence to choose paths less traveled. She is such an incredible woman, and I am so blessed to have her as my mother. I love you Mom. ❤️
In Solidarity,
Shahana
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