Advocacy Round-Up: Take action in 5 minutes or less!

We know that with everything going on these days in the government, the media, the workplace, our personal lives, and more, keeping up on what’s happening in reproductive health, rights, and justice can be difficult. Check out a few major updates – and some easy, quick advocacy actions for you to take – below! 

1. Women’s Health Protection Act: On Monday, February 28th, the U.S. Senate made history when they voted on the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA). For the first time, Senators voted on federal legislation that protects access to abortion care across the country – a bill that is supported by a majority of voters in the United States. While WHPA did not receive the votes needed to overcome the filibuster this year, the fight is far from over – expect to see WHPA in Congress until it becomes law. Monday’s vote brings us one step closer to a future where everyone, everywhere has equal access to abortion care, regardless of who they are or where they live. This is why we must acknowledge the 46 Senators who supported WHPA, and the will of the people. Take a few moments to thank these Senators here: https://bit.ly/2PdwbzN 
2. During the 2022 State of the Union, President Biden, while not using the word “abortion,” stated, “The constitutional right affirmed by Roe v. Wade, standing precedent for half a century, is under attack as never before.” Read here about why advocates were hoping for more. While President Biden acknowledged the attacks on reproductive health care, we know that his administration must do more to take immediate action. If you are an abortion provider and/or you have had an abortion, please take a moment to sign onto this open letter to President Biden.
3. March 1st marked six months since Texas SB 8 went into effect, a draconian six-week ban that has deprived many Texans of their fundamental right to abortion care and forced them to travel out of state to seek care. Recent data from Planned Parenthood shows that since SB-8, health centers in states surrounding Texas saw a nearly 800% increase in abortion patients from Texas, compared to the previous year. Not only does this place additional financial, physical, logistical, and emotional burdens on Texans seeking abortion care, but it creates further strain on abortion access in surrounding states. Even more devastating is that for many Texans – especially communities that already face systemic disparities to care – this care is entirely out of reach. Abortion funds and clinics across Texas continue to work tirelessly to get Texans care out of state. Please consider supporting these organizations doing critical on-the-ground work in Texas by donating here. To learn more about how Texans can access abortion services, visit needabortion.org.  
4. Finally, last week President Biden announced that his nominee to fill Justice Stephen Breyer’s seat on the Supreme Court is Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Judge Jackson, who currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, is the first Black woman to ever be nominated to the Supreme Court. She is a former public defender and has a history of ruling in favor of human rights, including reproductive rights. Judge Jackson’s nomination comes at a critical moment for civil rights and liberties, as anti-abortion, anti-trans politicians continue to pass restrictions on sexual and reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Tell the Senate to confirm Judge Jackson here.