The 4th of July is supposed to be about freedom, but as socialists we know that true freedom can’t exist without reproductive justice and unequivocal agency over our own bodies. So this 4th of July, we are participating in a national Day Of Action to demand local, free, and safe access to abortion for all.
At 12:30pm on Monday July 4, we are rallying in Westlake to hear from union abortion healthcare providers as well as DSA-endorsed city council candidates — including our newest socialist councilwoman-elect, Eunisses Hernandez. We will have signs, but feel free to make and bring your own! After the speakers, we will take a short march of several blocks down to MacArthur Park. RSVP here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/rally-for-abortion-access-and-reproductive-freedom
We have comrades in DSA chapters around the country making specific demands at the local, state, and federal level. While California is not a “trigger law” state, around 40% of counties in the state do not have a single abortion clinic. A free abortion is not free if it requires traveling far distances or driving for hours to get it — that’s why California needs clinics that are accessible and local. We have two specific demands: 1) for LA to become a sanctuary city where people can come to get an abortion (and are financially supported in doing so), and 2) for California to adopt a constitutional amendment enshrining the right to have an abortion.
An abortion can cost up to $1,000 out of pocket, and a recent study revealed that 56% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency expense. Free abortion, on demand, without apology is a vital issue for the working class.
We don’t just want “legal” abortion. We want universal healthcare. We want universal childcare. We won’t achieve this by following the same path that well-funded nonprofits have chosen over the last 50 years as the right wing has chipped away at our right to an abortion. Join us on Monday to learn, strategize, and fight for reproductive freedom.
