“We now must realize that every single election for governor, for state legislative bodies, and of course for federal lawmakers, that this is in the wings. We’ve always used words like women’s rights are on the ballot. They are the ballot now. Our rights to make decisions about our own bodies are the entire ballot right now.”
– PA House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia)
Dear friends,
Like you, I am appalled by the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and end 50 years of constitutional protections for Americans. While this decision most certainly impacts our family members and friends with uteruses the most, it is certainly not just their battle to fight.
An attack on any member of our community’s privacy and bodily autonomy is unacceptable, and must be met with all our community’s resistance and opposition.
So please, follow the lead of those in your lives directly affected by this issue, but do not mistake this with sitting on the sidelines. Offer your support and follow up with actions, not just words.
I know we are all devastated but we must not rest. As each state is now left to decide the fate of medical freedom for half the population, please know I will never stop fighting until we protect women and essential healthcare including abortion in Pennsylvania. Join me in organizing, canvassing, and spreading the word about this upcoming election. We must vote like our lives depend on it—because they do.
In the next twenty-four hours alone, we have some opportunities to show our resistance to this decision and begin the long effort to fight back and restore our rights.
Action Item #1: RALLY TO DEFEND ABORTION RIGHTS
Today at 1:00pm, join Democrats from across the Commonwealth as we rally to defend abortion rights in Pennsylvania and beyond.
This event is free, but RSVPs are requested.
Action Item #2: Split a Donation between Planned Parenthood Action Fund and TTDems
Planned Parenthood operates health centers across the country, educates the public on issues of reproductive and sexual health, and through their Action Fund, fights to advance and expand access to sexual health care and defend reproductive rights.
We’ve created a special donation page to split donations between Planned Parenthood Action Fund and TTDems. Please show your support with a donation today.
Action Item #3: Pledge to be All In for PA Democrats
With the end of Roe v. Wade, anti-choice Republicans are mobilizing to ram cruel, dangerous abortion bans through state legislatures. The only thing standing in their way right now is Governor Tom Wolf’s veto pen.
We must elect JOSH SHAPIRO as Governor this November 8. EVERYTHING is literally on the line.
If PA Republicans retain control of the PA House, they can put a constitutional amendment to ban abortion on the ballot – and even a Democratic governor can’t veto it.
We are ALL IN. There’s no turning back, and we are ready to FIGHT.
Will you join us? Take the pledge to be ALL IN for electing Democrats across PA in 2022.
We will not go back. We will NEVER surrender.
Let’s get to work,
Hans van Mol
Chair & Zone Leader
