Dear Friend,

The Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade stripped away fundamental reproductive rights from millions of people. Women in states with abortion bans across the country will attempt unsafe procedures in order to control their own body. It’s an obscene, cruel decision.

To makes matter worse, Clarence Thomas called for the overturning of the cases that decided same-sex marriage, same-sex relationships, and contraception. This is just the precipice of what is to come.

We can’t stop fighting. We won’t stop fighting.

A few hours after the ruling, I spoke to tens of thousands of people gathered outside the steps of the Supreme Court. I didn’t mince words. I didn’t hold back. I said what so many of us are feeling right now:

How did it come to this?

We know the Republicans are ruthless. They’ve used every scheme possible to secure a conservative ultra-majority on the Supreme Court despite losing the popular vote in every election but one for the past 34 years.

But what is the response from Democratic leadership? An exploratory committee?

Democratic leadership had 50 years to codify Roe v. Wade. They knew that this was coming.

And where was Majority Leader Hoyer last month? He was campaigning for a pro-life candidate who was facing a pro-choice challenger.

Is that the best we can do???

The fact of the matter is that we need better leaders. We need leaders who get it.

When I was a teenager, I became pregnant. I was terrified, making minimum wage, and was not ready to have a child. With financial help from my aunt, I was able to have an abortion. I’m now raising two wonderful kids, who I had when I was ready.

I remember what that fear was like at the time. Abortion clinics in red states are already calling hundreds of people, letting them know that their appointment has been cancelled because of the decision. They’re feeling that fear now.

I’m asking you to find, support, and donate to your local abortion fund. Whether it’s a group in a blue state that will be seeing an influx of new people in need, or a group in a red state who will be facing legal fights – they need your help today.

We can’t stop fighting. We won’t stop fighting. Because this is just the beginning.

In solidarity,

Mckayla Wilkes