Reproductive Justice and Equity
The grotesque Supreme Court ruling last week overturning Roe is a frightening blow to freedom and human rights. Throughout its history, the Supreme Court has ruled many times to perpetuate injustice. But this is different — in last week’s ruling overturning Roe, the Court actively stripped away a right that was protected by a half century of established judicial precedent. And the ruling majority made clear — they are not done. They are coming for other rights, for marginalized groups. This is the impact of white supremacy and patriarchy.
Already, women, trans*, and gender expansive people who need reproductive healthcare are being criminalized. People will be placed in cages because of this ruling. People will die because of this ruling. Black women in particular will be targeted and harmed.
Thankfully, there’s a vibrant grassroots reproductive rights movement in the U.S. We’re not talking about the big national groups here; it’s the local clinics, the local networks, and the local organizers who are leading the response to this crisis. We have to organize and take action together to build a movement strong enough to fight back and win.
Here are some immediate resources and action steps:
- The Abortion Care Network serves “independent abortion care providers and the allies who support them in providing care for people seeking an abortion.” Click here for action steps.
- The Brigid Alliance is a “referral-based service that provides travel, food, lodging, child care and other logistical support for people seeking abortions.” Learn more about their work here.
- The Abortion Access Front “uses humor and outrage to fight back online and on the ground against enemies of reproductive freedom.” Check out their upcoming Operation Save Abortion trainings here.
In Connecticut, a new law to expand abortion rights goes into effect today. This is the first time Connecticut has made changes to the states abortion laws since 1990. The new law expands who can perform abortions to include clinicians other than doctors, it strengthens legal protections for people seeing abortions from out of state and providers, and it will reduce the wait time for people seeking an abortion. Click here to learn more.
OUT LOUD Pride Event
This evening, we are joining Qommunity New Haven and The Photobooth for their OUT LOUD Pride Celebration at the Free Center Community Space (52 North Main St. Middletown CT, 06457). We’ll be tabling at the event from 6-11pm. There will be live performances, drag, make-up help, comedy, live painting, zine making, and much more. Come stop by our table!
Reach out to our Community Organizor Alison Martinez Carrasco at alison@katalcenter.org for more information.
Katal on What’s Your Point? Radio Show
This Sunday, July 3 at 9 am our Director of Organizing, Kenyatta Muzzanni is joining What’s Your Point on WPKN in Bridgeport, CT. Kenyatta will discuss the connection between LGBTQ rights and women’s reproduction rights following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe. She will also speak about the role of community organizing in this moment. Tune in to 89.5 FM to hear the discussion!
Katal Quotes of the Week
“Let this radicalize you rather than lead you to despair.” –Mariame Kaba
“Fight with hope, fight without hope, but fight absolutely.” –Mike Davis
Please support our work
We can’t do this work without you. Please support our work to build leadership and organizing capacity of people to self-advocate and take action together for systemic change.
Be safe as possible out there, and get vaccinated as soon as you can. If you want to get involved, learn more about our work, or just connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Katal works to strengthen the people, policies, institutions, and movements that advance health, equity, and justice for everyone. Join us: web, Twitter, Facebook! Email: info@katalcenter.org. Phone: 646.875.8822.
