COLUMBUS, OH–– Today, Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour arrived on campus at Ohio State University to highlight what’s at stake as extremist lawmakers work to ban abortion nationwide. The ‘Ride to Decide’ bus tour comes as attacks on reproductive freedom escalate across the country. Support for legal abortion has increased since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, but that hasn’t stopped anti-abortion extremists and conservative lawmakers from continuing to undermine Americans’ access to abortion care, birth control, and IVF treatment. 

At the event, student leaders and patient storytellers shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Ohio and across the country.

“When the Dobbs decision first came out, I talked to doctors, patients, parents and legal advocates across the country, and there was a general sentiment of chaos and fear at the lack of health care,” Melanie Fontes Rainer, the Director for Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services. “We know that in Ohio, despite anti-abortion extremists’ efforts, the right to abortion is enshrined in the state constitution. But we know that's not the case for women across the country and for a lot of women, especially women that have to travel here and other places, it's very difficult to access health care.” Fontes Rainer also highlighted the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to expand access to reproductive health care.  

“As we continue our fight for reproductive justice, it's essential that we listen to those most impacted. We must acknowledge survivors of sexual violence and understand their unique relationship to reproductive justice,” said Tate Madison, who serves as President of Sexual Assault Prevention & Support (SAPS) at Ohio State University. “It is our responsibility to ensure everyone has full autonomy over their bodies and be able to make decisions on their reproductive health free from violence, coercion and fear, to work for the future where everyone has the power and resources to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.”

“Just this morning, there was a hearing in Franklin County Court about the 24 hour waiting period that requires every patient in Ohio to wait at least 24 hours and have two separate appointments to access care,” said Sam Woodring, who leads communications for the Abortion Fund of Ohio. Woodring reminded the audience that help is available to those who are struggling to afford abortion care, and encouraged Ohio State students to share information about local abortion funds with their friends and folks on campus.

“These attacks threaten not only our reproductive rights, but also our access to medical care and the medication necessary for us to live healthy and happy lives,” said Laila Ritter, the head of Marketing & Communications at Sexual Assault Prevention & Support (SAPS), who shared that she was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager, and relies on hormonal birth control to manage the otherwise debilitating condition. “They are not only trying to take away our right to choose, but also our right to health and medical intervention. As human beings, we all deserve the right to treat our illnesses and our health issues, and those rights should not be limited due to the government's desire to control our bodies and our choices.”

“Anti-abortion extremists didn't stop at reversing Roe v Wade, they are targeting critical aspects of reproductive health care, including access to IVF, access to medication abortion, and critical contraceptive options. These aren't just abstract issues. These are tangible consequences for families like mine, who may rely on services like these to build their families,” said Dr. Lis Regula, an Advocacy Associate with Men Having Babies. “As a trans man, I know firsthand how reproductive justice intersects with the fight for LGBTQ rights. The same extremists who seek to control others’ bodies are often the ones pushing anti-trans legislation and trying to roll back the hard-won rights of LGBTQ individuals.”

“Black birthing people are more likely to suffer from inadequate care, contributing to a higher risk of maternal mortality,” said Jules Dunlap, who serves as Black Student Engagement Chair of Sexual Assault Prevention & Support (SAPS). Dunlap shared her mother’s dangerous and traumatizing birth experience, and demanded action to ensure access to quality reproductive care for all Ohioans. “We must both engage with policymakers and push reform to ensure ethical care for all.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Cleveland, Ohio next, where local storytellers will spotlight the real-life impacts of abortion bans and attacks on reproductive freedom and share why federal action to protect access to abortion and reproductive health care has never been more important.

You can watch the event here. If you are interested in speaking with any of the participants in the press event, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us. 

Free & Just is committed to fighting for reproductive freedom. Join us in sharing stories, raising voices, and securing our future. 

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.