Friend –

No one should be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will and face the life-altering consequences of being denied essential health care. But last week, the Supreme Court issued a ruling overturning Roe v. Wade — the landmark decision recognizing the constitutional right to abortion nearly 50 years ago.

As ACLU-D.C. Executive Director Monica Hopkins said, "This decision casts a shameful shadow, but We the People can and will do what it takes to get through this excruciating moment together."

ACLU-D.C. and our partners have worked for decades and will do everything we can to ensure that D.C. continues to be an abortion safe haven. We also stand ready to protect and expand any other rights that may be put in jeopardy by this ruling.

Here's how you can get involved in what we're doing to protect and expand abortion access.

1. Spread the word that abortion at all stages of pregnancy is safe and legal in the District. Read and share our blog post "What to Know and Do About Abortion Access in D.C."
2. Support D.C. Council bills that advance reproductive freedom. Council is considering multiple bills that protect and expand D.C.'s status as a safe haven for anyone who needs an abortion or gender-affirming care. For example, we are supporting B24-0808, the Human Rights Sanctuary Amendment Act of 2022, and B24-0726, the Enhancing Reproductive Health Protections Amendment Act of 2022. Stay tuned to your email and our social media for ways to get involved.
3. Sign up here for your guide to talking to your friends and family about how D.C. statehood would protect and expand abortion access. With the Dobbs decision taking the federal right to an abortion away, D.C. statehood could protect and expand abortion care for all. But to become a state, we need your friends and family in other states to join our fight. Sign up here so we can send you your guide to talking about how D.C. statehood could expand and protect abortion access for all.

Abortion has been protected in D.C. because for decades, our communities have organized to ensure that anyone who needs an abortion can safely and legally get this critical health care. Go to abortionfinder.org to find and schedule abortion care.

Together, we will strengthen and deepen our commitment to protecting and expanding abortion rights in the District.

In solidarity,

ACLU of the District of Columbia