For Immediate Release: September 9, 2024
Contact: Jocelyn Foye
[email protected]
The index provides a window into candidates’ records on bodily autonomy to help voters elect representatives who share their values
PROVIDENCE – September 9 – The Womxn Project today announced the launch of its Bodily Freedom Forever Index, a body of research that illuminates candidates’ records on supporting bodily freedom. Bodily freedom is the idea that people should have sole decision-making power over their own body as long as those decisions don’t infringe on another’s bodily freedom.
“Thanks to the work of more than 50 volunteers who spent months collaborating with our staff in compiling this research, we were able to launch the data in advance of this year’s primary election,” said Jocelyn Foye, executive director of The Womxn Project. “Far-right hate groups are gaining a foothold in Rhode Island, and we must prevent them from gaining entry into our elected bodies. Our hope is that by giving voters insight into their candidates’ values, they’ll be able to elect compassionate, empathetic representatives who not only share their values, but treat their constituents with respect.”
To compile this research, Womxn Project staff members and volunteers mined the voting records of those running to hold the offices of state senator, state representative, mayor, town council member, and school committee member to see if those records advanced bodily freedom. If the candidate never held office, the organization researched their public statements to determine how they might vote. Results were shared with each candidate. If they disagreed with the results, The Womxn Project changed it in the index if the candidate agreed to publish a pro-bodily freedom statement on their campaign website.
“District elections are where constituents hold the most power in influencing their state’s policy,” said Foye. “We know only a few votes over another candidate have resulted in some being elected in RI so every vote matters. With this research, we are providing voters with vital information that will help them elect into office compassionate and empathetic people who will treat their constituents’ private decisions with respect.”
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Jocelyn Foye is available for interview upon request.
About the Womxn Project
The Womxn Project (TWP) is a statewide organization dedicated to building a strong movement that harnesses the power of art, activism and advocacy. We believe that together we can dismantle systems of oppression and uplift the voices of people in our communities throughout Rhode Island in order to shift power and shape the policies that impact our lives and the lives of our neighbors. We commit to embodying the principles of reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, while cultivating innovation and advancing real and lasting change. For more information, visit www.thewomxnproject.org.
