Dear Friends,
Last night’s news that five unelected, extremist Supreme Court justices are seeking to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion affirmed in Roe v. Wade is an egregious attack by those who say they support freedom, personal liberty, and the rule of law.
Each and every one of us has the right to make personal decisions that impact our lives, health, economic opportunity, and futures. This includes the ability to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care—from abortion to mammograms. It is not the government’s job to criminalize the private, personal decisions you make for your own health.
Last year, Democrats in the House voted to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify Roe v. Wade and ensure the constitutional right to reproductive health care is not limited to your income, background or zip code. The Senate has a responsibility to act on this legislation immediately. If two or three Senators cannot get their act together to pass this critical legislation, we know the avenue available. It is past time to eliminate the filibuster and bring up this legislation for a vote.
Make no mistake, abortion is still safe and legal in Oregon and in the vast majority of states. Abortion funds, clinics, and support networks are here to help. People should not cancel their appointments if they need care. If an individual is in need of help finding reproductive care, visit the Oregon Health Authority to find a provider.
We will fight this draft decision state by state and at the national level to ensure that the personal freedom to access health care remains accessible to every individual in our country.