Bans Off Our Bodies

This month, thousands of rallygoers across the country gathered for the 5th Women’s March, focusing on reproductive justice. Many thanks to our club members and their families and friends who turned out to send a message of fierce opposition to the looming threat of Roe v. Wade. It’s hard to believe we still have to do this, but here we are. As Democrats, we know that reproductive choice is an undeniable part of healthcare, and healthcare is a human right.
We were all outraged when Republicans in Texas passed the most restrictive abortion law in the country, and beyond outraged when the Supreme Court refused to block it. History shows that such bans, instead of deterring abortions, will force women to seek unsafe back-alley procedures. And we’re well aware that these antiquated laws disproportionately affect those most vulnerable: people of color, people living in poverty, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to undermining medical ethics, the law shockingly provides for a $10,000 bounty on anyone who “aids and abets” an abortion in the state – a frightening warrant for vigilantism. Although Texas is currently on our radar in the battle for reproductive justice, make no mistake: reproductive rights are under attack in a growing number of states where health access is now out of reach for millions of people.

What can we do? According to Planned Parenthood, “nearly 600 abortion restrictions have been introduced in 47 states. This is a nationwide crisis – and it demands a nationwide solution.” Planned Parenthood is urging us to tell our senators to support the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), legislation that would help protect the right of women to control their own bodies and help patients receive the care they need, free from medically unnecessary restrictions and bans. The House passed this bill last month, and we need the Senate to follow suit. Let’s tell our senators to vote YES on the WHPA.

Or, you can contact Senators Feinstein and Padilla directly:
Senator Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3841

Senator Alex Padilla:
United States Senate
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
E-mail form: www.padilla.senate.gov
And if you’re particularly disgusted by what’s happening in Texas and want to help the women there who have suddenly lost the right to choose, here is a special note from esteemed club member Tom Bernitt:
For those two people who actually read my column in the club Newsletter a few months ago about Texas and Mauri Bird, the long-time Houston activist who needs encouragement in fighting Abbott, et al., here’s an update.

I had dinner with Mauri last Friday. Now I wrote about her without her permission or knowledge. So I had to come clean at dinner. Instead of saying, “What’re y’all doing?” she instead said, “Bring it on.”

And so, if you’re inclined, write to Mauri at the following addresses to really find out what’s happening in Texas, or to ask how you can help with Texas, or just to provide general encouragement for Mauri while she fights the Legions of Evil People:

Snail mail: Mauri Bird
1409 Patterson St
Houston, TX 77007