It’s official, John. The Supreme Court has ruled on Dobbs v. Jackson and stripped women and people seeking abortions of their long-held rights to control their bodies — a right which I exercised last year when faced with an unwanted pregnancy.
This radical decision is out of step with the values and beliefs of the American people, and will cause lasting harm for millions of people.
Let me be clear: white Christian nationalists have been working towards this moment for 50 years. They have exploited the most anti-democratic features of our political system, from the courts to the Electoral College to the United States Senate. They have engaged in outrageous power grabs, bulldozed basic norms, and can’t be bothered to justify their hypocrisy. They know their views are unpopular so they rig our democracy to enshrine minority rule and trample over our rights.
When I wrote to you after this decision leaked last month, I told you about my experience getting an abortion in September of 2021. I was horrified at the idea that I might never have the choice whether or not to be pregnant again. And I was devastated for the people who have long been denied, or are now losing, the window and access to make that decision for themselves.
I’m still horrified, John. I’m still devastated. But we’re turning our rage into action.
We must defy this decision and confront the powerful judges and politicians who have run roughshod over our rights. We must hold them accountable.
We must fight tooth and nail for access to abortion at the state-level, which is already under assault by the same forces that overturned Roe.
And finally, we must reclaim our federal government — including the judiciary. That means building a functional Democratic majority in the House and the Senate that is willing to eliminate the Jim Crow filibuster and rebalance our Supreme Court.
None of this will be easy. None of it will happen quickly. Restoring our democracy and regaining the rights codified in decisions like Roe and Casey may take many years — but the work begins now. The work ahead of us is crucial and it will take all of us to build a nation where everyone can thrive and be free.
Here are two actions you can take to support the right to an abortion right now:
First, make a donation to the National Network of Abortion Funds to support the groups who are working harder than ever to make sure everyone who needs an abortion can get one.
Next, find a Bans Off Our Bodies event near you. Today and throughout this week, across the country, people of all ages, genders, races, sexualities, and backgrounds are coming together to take a stand for abortion rights. By joining a Bans Off Our Bodies event, you can make your voice heard and connect with local leaders fighting for justice.
Getting an abortion was not an easy choice for me. But it was the right one. If you or a loved one are unable to receive an abortion because of this decision, I urge you to check out the following resources dedicated to helping people seeking this necessary care:
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The Repro Legal Helpline, a free, confidential source for legal advice and information on self-managed abortion. Visit ReproLegalHelpline.org or call 844-868-2812 for help.
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INeedAnA.com, a website providing vetted, up-to-date, and personalized info on how to get an abortion, with no search or user data saved.
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Abortion On Our Own Terms, a resourced website for people to safely and effectively manage their abortion on their own terms.
This is a painful day for so many people, John — us included. Take the time that you need to grieve, to rage, to commune with loved ones. We’ll be here when you’re ready, fighting like hell to protect all of our rights and make this country work for the many, not the few.
Before you click away from this email, please be sure to make a contribution to the National Network of Abortion Funds, RSVP for an upcoming Bans Off Our Bodies event, and text ROE to 30403 to stay up-to-date on our work to restore and protect the right to an abortion.
In solidarity,
Nelini Stamp
Director of Strategy and Partnerships
Working Families Party
