For decades, the “pro-life” movement has methodically worked at local levels to chip away at abortion rights. In light of our new Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation, it appears all of their work has paid off. However, NPR reports that both sides of the abortion rights fight are gearing up, with awareness that this is far from over.
For far too long, abortion rights advocates have been on the defensive against constant attacks on abortion rights from all sides: physical violence, psychological violence, legislatively, medically, culture-wise—the list goes on. Now that may change. Planned Parenthood announced a new three-part, multi-million-dollar initiative that will work to expand abortion rights—not just defend them.
The plan “lays out how the organizations will work to ensure there is still access to abortion across the country, even if the national protections afforded by Roe v. Wade disappear.” You can view it here. The four-page document outlines three main areas: access to health care, policy, and culture change.
For example, Planned Parenthood will work to help increase access to abortion care in states like California through telemedicine. In other states, local affiliates are working to codify abortion rights into law. And across the country, the organization will work to destigmatize abortion through education, resources, and work with content creators.
In a statement, Dawn Laguens, executive vice president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said, “No matter what those in power may say, each of us deserves the right to control our own bodies. That includes the right to decide if and when to become a parent. Planned Parenthood will never back down—and today, we are fighting for all of our rights and freedoms.”
Can’t wait to see what’s to come!