The outcome of the election has likely left you feeling very
anxious about the future of reproductive rights in America, and the
possibility of facing a huge set back for women's reproductive rights. Here, a
breakdown of President-Elect Trump's policy promises surrounding women's
health, plus what you can do help preserve your reproductive rights.
THE BREAKDOWN:
-Trump will appoint judges to the U.S. Supreme Court who
oppose access to abortion, a move that could open the door to overturning Roe
v. Wade.
-Trump has promised to make it a priority to repeal the
Affordable Care Act, which makes it possible for millions of people to get
health insurance that includes coverage for birth control at no additional cost
and prenatal care.
-Mike Pence said he wants to see Roe v. Wade on "the ash
heap of history", and has a long record of attacking reproductive freedom
in his state.
-Trump has called Planned Parenthood "an abortion
factory" and would have no problem defunding the organization.
-Trump wants to completely ban abortion, with exceptions only
for rape, incest or when the life of the woman is danger. He has also said that
women "should face some sort of punishment" should they have
abortion.
WHAT WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS SUPPORTERS ARE SAYING:
"There are almost no words to capture the threat that
this election result poses to our democracy, to our economic security, to
access to reproductive health care, and most especially to the safety and
dignity of people of color....We will fight alongside
our partners to make sure that the progress of the past eight years, including
emerging from the worst recession we’ve had in close to a century, expanding
health care coverage to more than 20 million Americans, breaking down barriers
of discrimination and racism, and upholding marriage equality, is
protected."
- Planned Parenthood Action Fund president Cecile Richards
"A Trump presidency will mean that attacks on access to
abortion and all other reproductive health services will continue at the
federal level and in states all across this country,"
-Willie Parker, MD,
board chair of Physicians for Reproductive Health.
“I’m terribly worried about the status of reproductive
rights...If
[Republicans] are telling me what to do with my body, my uterus, without having
experienced the same pain and health issues as women, that is them saying they
know best. In this case, that is not true,”
-Bella Mazzetti, a sexual health advocate, told to The Intercept.
HOW YOU CAN HELP PRESERVE YOUR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS:
1. Go out and get an Intrauterine Device (IUD)! Defunding Obamacare means women will no longer have access to affordable healthcare, including free birth control. An IUD is an easy way to protect yourself against an unwanted pregnancy for at least five years. (Plus, many insurance providers do currently cover the devices, which can otherwise cost several hundred dollars.
2. Volunteer. Find opportunities with Planned Parenthood and NARAL.
3. State your concerns and wishes to Congress. Find your representative here.
4. We need to GO LOCAL, focusing on state and municipal elections in the coming years. Do your research and get out and vote for the candidates that support and will fight for your rights. This is incredibly important because big change starts at local and state levels.
5. Help Planned Parenthood fight for laws and policies to protect your rights and health, and elect officials who will do so, by donating to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
6. Donate to NARAL to help ensure that people continue to have access to lifesaving health care and information and to face down threats to reproductive freedom.
7. Donate to your local abortion fund, which make safe and legal abortions possible!
