Lighting the Way: February 23, 2024
February 21, 2024
"Our work is not yet done."
- Minnesota Reproductive Freedom Caucus co-chair Rep. Kaohly Her
Here's the good and the bad from this week:
MINNESOTA ON TOP: MINNESOTA REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM CAUCUS ANNOUNCE 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
"Until all have reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy, we are not free to live our lives our full selves." - Minnesota Reproductive Caucus co-chair Senator Lindsey Port
At a press conference on Wednesday, February 21, the Minnesota Reproductive Freedom Caucus outlined the caucus' 2024 legislative priorities - here are the key points:
Strengthening protections for gender equity and reproductive freedom by passing the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment for inclusion on the 2026 ballot
Ensuring all state and private health plans cover abortion care and gender-affirming healthcare
Promoting healthy families by passing the Uniform Parentage Act
Removing unnecessary barriers to midwife certification to ensure a full range of affordable, culturally-specific birthing options for all communities
Supporting Maternal Morbidity Studies
We have work to do to ensure all Minnesotans have reproductive freedom - regardless of income, background, or zip code. Contact your legislators now in support of the advancement of reproductive freedom in 2024.
READ OF THE WEEK
COSMOPOLITAN: THIS COUNTRY'S ABORTION CRISIS IS REALLY A VOTING RIGHTS PROBLEM
"The only way anti-abortion politicians can pass dangerous, unpopular restrictions is by gerrymandering their state legislatures into oblivion. To restore the actual will of the people, we have to fight back…and not just during a presidential election year."
ALL EYES ON ALABAMA
The Alabama Supreme Court's recent ruling, recognizing frozen embryos outside the womb as "children", marks a dangerous escalation in the assault on reproductive healthcare.
The immediate consequences are stark: increased liability risks for fertility clinics, potential closures, and limited access to essential healthcare services. Furthermore, the ruling sets a precedent that could embolden other states to restrict fertility treatments, further eroding reproductive rights nationwide.
The Yellowhammer Fund, Alabama is spot on - "We might sound like a broken record when we talk about “attacks on repro rights coming from all angles” but that’s because abortion bans have always been about more than abortion alone . This is yet another example of the many dangerous ripple effects of Roe being overturned. This is about state control and the state using its power to tell people what they can and can’t do with their bodies."
PRO-CHOICE MINNESOTA CAMPUS ORGANIZER HIGHLIGHT: MEET NICOLE
Hi! My name is Nicole and I use she/her pronouns. I'm a senior in the University of Minnesota Duluth's chemical engineering program. It's my third year being a campus organizer, and I'm extremely grateful to Pro-Choice Minnesota for all the opportunities provided through the internship. I've met so many wonderful people outside of my major program and gotten the chance to organize dozens of reproductive freedom themed events.
I grew up just outside of the Twin Cities, but once I graduate UMD I'm looking forward to entering a chemical engineering PhD program and continuing to use what I've learned as a student advocate.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reproductive Freedom Lobby Day
March 7
Pro-Choice Minnesota Class Reunion
March 8
THE STATE OF ABORTION
The map reflects state policies in effect as of January 24, 2024.
40 DAYS FOR CHOICE
Thank you for supporting our work to protect and expand abortion access for all Minnesotans, we could not do this work without you.
AT THE CAPITOL
Minnesota House Black Maternal Health Caucus Announce 2024 Legislative Priorities
JOY SNACK OF THE DAY
Want to feel happier? Try snacking on joy.
February 22, 2024
Planned Parenthood asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to find 1849 abortion law unconstitutional.
“The right to life and liberty, including the right to make one’s own decisions about whether or not to give birth and medical decisions related to pregnancy or abortion care from a chosen health care provider, is fundamental,” the petition contends. “So, too, is a physician’s right to practice medicine, her chosen profession, and fulfill her ethical obligations of the practice of medicine.”