Less than two weeks ago, the Montana Supreme Court ruled its state law that requires minors to secure parental consent before obtaining an abortion unconstitutional. We love to see it. The Montana Constitution grants the same rights to both minors and adults, and the Court’s opinion was that the law violates a minor’s right to equal protection and privacy.
In Montana, Supreme Court judges are selected through a nonpartisan election, meaning their names appear on a voting ballot without party affiliation. (In Rhode Island, the governor nominates them through a nominating commission.)
Because Montana voters selected the judges they did, not only are Montana minors who need abortions protected, other states that restrict minors’ access to abortion now have a model for striking restrictions down in their own states. We’re getting some ideas. Are you?
We know you know voting is important, but these examples of voting directly impacting people’s lives is a crucial reminder as we slide into election season.
Rhode Island is considered a safe-ish state for reproductive rights, but we have work to do to achieve Bodily Freedom Forever. Our state has a parental consent law for minors seeking abortion (we’re watching you, Montana!). Gender affirming care isn’t completely covered by Medicaid and the RI GOP is making gains in overtaking school committees in different districts across the State.
Like you, we were inspired by Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention and we’re taking to heart her challenge like so many before her that we stand up for “decency and humanity. For basic respect, dignity and empathy. For the values at the very foundation of this democracy.”
We’re answering the former First Lady’s call and standing with you in helping to ensure every single person living in Rhode Island’s borders has the dignity of making the choices in their lives that best serve them. Join with us today!
– – – – – – – – – – – FEATURED TOPICS – – – – – – – – – – –
“The Inside Tea” by Lexie T.
The Republican Plan in Rhode Island
These individuals clearly state their intentions to encourage republicans to run for local candidacy, to work their way up to the state level. We have observed this agenda through our watch-dog efforts in school committee meetings, and the growing hate-group organizing in “at-risk” districts. The article references Cranston and Johnston as targets to continue closing the election victory margin, determined to spread the GOP support from the west to the east. There are several towns listed with GOP majority council seats, which means they have that many less towns to swing to their party.
This is why our campaign for Bodily Freedom Forever is so important. The GOP chairman asserted he’s had Democratic candidates call him and inform him of their true party; Republican. With our report determining whose morals and voting history align with bodily freedom, we may begin to uncover who these people are. We need to stay united and show our support in all our 38 districts, but specifically those predominately conservative. Their movement will only continue to grow, but we must persevere.
Dignity in Action
The Womxn Project Education Fund is proud of our new partnership with Clark Reproductive Access and Bryant University’s Women’s Leadership Living and Learning Community.
The two organizations created post-abortion care kits to donate to people who need them, and we’re uplifting these important care packages to our network to help these kits find homes.
We see even further value in these kits, and with the organizations’ approval, we plan to share them with sexual assault survivors, those seeking reproductive care, and anyone who could use some comfort during emotionally fraught times. Offering some measure of comfort to our community members when they need it recognizes their humanity, which is one of our most important values. If these kits would be helpful to people in your community, contact [email protected] and we’ll supply you with some.
Bodies and Societies Exhibition & Move Out Party
Thank you to everyone who came to our exhibition over the weekend! Take a look at some photos and keep an eye on our events page to stay aware of our activities and actions as we have a lot coming before we are fully moved into our new space.
Elections & Voting Treats
You might have seen The Womxn Project Education Fund’s Zine about knowing your rights and access to safer voting and protesting law, no matter what your gender. Now we have a poster from the same piece that we will donate to you if you buy one zine for you and a library.
> See more here.
