Three years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning nearly fifty years of constitutional protections for abortion access under Roe v. Wade.
In doing so, the SCOTUS decision stripped millions of people of their reproductive freedom. And it opened the door to a sweeping wave of anti-abortion legislation, disinformation, criminalization, and political violence that’s currently playing out across our country.
In the Dobbs decision, Justice Alito outlined his roadmap to dismantling our right to bodily autonomy and equal rights. Dobbs was just the beginning, as our community saw the continuation of erosion play out last week with the Skrmetti decision.
As we continue to fight for the re-instatement of constitutional protections for abortion rights, our work must include protecting access to other politically targeted reproductive and gender-based freedoms, including gender-affirming care for youth. Our bodies are our own. We will not go back.
Today, Pro-Choice Washington celebrates what we have built in the wake of Dobbs: stronger and more coordinated legal and data privacy protections in our state; a fierce network of diverse, intersectional, and intergenerational community leaders; and a cohort of bold, proactive policy champions who continue to fight for the right to bodily autonomy.
No matter where someone lives, how much money they have, or what their immigration status may be, Pro-Choice Washington believes in that person’s ability to make choices for their own body.
This week, our community grieves the unspeakable tragedy of the violent assassination and attempted assassination of pro-abortion rights lawmakers in Minnesota. These public servants were targeted for doing what voters sent them to do.
Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Melissa Hortman and State Senator John Hoffman were elected to protect reproductive rights and advance policies grounded in justice and compassion.
The violence against these lawmakers and their families is domestic terrorism. It is the logical extension of a movement that does not care about life, but instead seeks control, punishment, and fear. The anti-abortion movement is not only attacking clinics and patients but is now openly targeting lawmakers and public figures who dare to stand up for bodily autonomy progressive policies.
Pro-Choice Washington stands in solidarity with our colleagues at Pro-Choice Minnesota and allies across the country.
We will not be intimidated. We will not be silent. And we will not back down.
To every elected official who continues to fight for reproductive freedom in the face of threats: We see you. We stand with you. And we will do everything in our power to ensure your safety, support your leadership, and honor your courage.
The Dobbs decision tried to erase our futures. We choose to build them anyway.
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Pro-Choice Washington is an independent organization solely focused on political and legislative advocacy for reproductive freedom in Washington state. We believe every person deserves equitable access to affordable, unbiased, quality reproductive and abortion healthcare within their community. Our organization is powered by the voices of more than 26,000 members across the state who are speaking up for reproductive rights through advocacy, community engagement, and education.
