Dear John,
Expecting the worst when the Supreme Court issues its final ruling in the Dobbs case, 25 U.S. Senators this week urged the Biden administration to issue an executive order protecting abortion rights. Led by Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), the Senators emphasized the need for an “all of government plan” to protect reproductive rights, in the face of the impending ruling.
“With Republicans continuing their nonstop attacks on the right to abortion, access to birth control, IVF and so much more, Democrats must fight back with every lever we have to get women the care they need,” Murray emphasized.
Also at the White House this week, Vice President Kamala Harris met with experts on privacy, constitutional law, and technology to be briefed on the stakes if Roe v. Wade is overturned—and Ms. was in the room!
VP Harris was briefed by constitutional law scholar, Ms. Studios executive producer and “On the Issues” podcast host Dr. Michele Goodwin and Ms. executive director of partnerships and strategy Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, along with law professors Peggy Cooper Davis, Melissa Murray, Glenn Cohen, and Leah Litman.
The group discussed the state of abortion rights and access in the country — as well as the legal theories at play; the state of other rights that may be in jeopardy given a Roe overturn including contraception, same-sex marriage, and more; and what can be done given the likely devastating decision by the Supreme Court.
As a leading voice for equitable menstrual policy, Weiss-Wolf warned about the dangerous combination of lack of menstrual literacy and abortion restrictions. And she discussed period-tracking apps, the security risks they pose, and why it’s increasingly urgent that every person be equipped to cut through misinformation about menstruation. As she told the vice president, “It is not just a matter of personal health, but a civic and self-defense necessity for navigating a post-Roe society.”
Speaking to Lawrence O’Donnell about the meeting on MSNBC Wednesday night, Goodwin stressed that our very rights to privacy and liberty are at stake. “We can’t trust the guardrails that Alito in the leaked draft opinion says will still be protected — such as contraceptive access, or marriage equality, or even interracial marriage,” she said.
“Many of the kinds of things that Justice Alito might have suggested we shouldn’t worry about, we really should,” Goodwin added. “I think the vice president wants to be prepared for that, rightfully so.”
Finally, this long weekend we honor Juneteenth — a now-federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. As we honor this day, it’s important that our celebrations go beyond empty promises of justice and reform. “Long before corporate decisions to recognize Juneteenth, Black people in this country were joyfully and jubilantly celebrating this day in our own way,” writes Ms. contributor Régine Jean-Charles. “I’m reminded that Black women have always been architects of freedom.”
In a time when our liberties and freedoms feel ever-more like they’re up for grabs, we're staying vigilant — while also making room for joy.
