Congressman Greg Landsman and Advocates Spotlight Harms of Abortion Bans and Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at “Ride to Decide” Bus Tour Event in Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH –– Today, Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) and local community leaders joined Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour in Cincinnati, the tour’s final stop before traveling to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The Ride to Decide bus tour comes as attacks on reproductive freedom escalate across the country, and has traveled nearly 9,000 miles and elevated the voices of over 100 storytellers with personal connections to abortion bans and reproductive freedom 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. 

Speaking about the Dobbs decision, Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) said “this is the first time in American history where a constitutional freedom was taken away from the American people.” Regarding his own family’s experience, Congressman Landsman shared that his wife has had two miscarriages, saying “in the middle of the night she lost so much blood in the bathroom that she fainted, hit her head, and that’s where I found her at 2am: unconscious and in a pool of blood. We went to the hospital immediately and we got medical care. That was years ago, and I’m pretty sure she would be turned away today.”

On the threat of a national abortion ban and the responsibility that Congress has to protect reproductive freedom nationwide, the Congressman said that “All over the country, citizen-led efforts are restoring these freedoms in their states, however it is on Congress to codify that freedom. I hope to be part of a U.S. congress that does just that. But there is a very real possibility that the opposite is true – that a U.S. Congress would ban all abortions, would take reproductive freedom away from every single woman and girl and their doctors. There wouldn’t be a corner in America where this freedom still existed.”

“There is often no one in the hospital more at risk of an acute event than a pregnant woman. Everything can be fine until it is not, and the time between there being options and no options can be short, unbearable, and catastrophic” said Dr. Nicole King, a critical care anesthesiologist who routinely sees some of the sickest pregnant women in the area. Speaking about abortion bans like the one in effect in Ohio before Issue 1 was passed, she said “That time in between is where we as physicians, midwives, nurses and other medical professionals know there are no words printed in black and white that can accurately describe the shades of gray we practice within. No abortion ban, even with exceptions, allows for the safety of all women and the freedom of practice by health professionals.”

“Before I joined the Free & Just team, I served as the Campaign Manager for Issue 1 in Ohio, the campaign that codified abortion rights in the state,” said Veronica Ingham, Senior Campaign Director for Free & Just. “Since Issue 1 passed, anti-abortion lawmakers have spent the last year in Ohio ignoring the will of the people. They’re trying to change the rules, manipulate the system, and abuse their authority to try and stack the deck against us and prevent women from getting care.” Speaking about the threat of a national abortion ban, Ingham said “they have made it clear time and time again they will stop at nothing to pass a national abortion ban, ignoring the will of the people and banning abortion across the country. That’s why we need to protect abortion on not just the state level – but the federal level.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, IL next, where advocates 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 ashley@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.

HHS Director of Office for Civil Rights, Doctors, and Students Spotlight Harms of Abortion Bans and Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at Ride to Decide Bus Tour Event in Cleveland

Cleveland, OH –– Today, the Director for Office for Civil Rights Melanie Fontes Rainer joined doctors and students at Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour in Cleveland 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, the Director, health care providers, and community leaders shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Ohio and across the country.

“After lots of infertility treatments I became pregnant with twins, and I suffered a miscarriage and I had a DNC which is an abortion. To some it’s miscarriage management, call it whatever you want, it’s healthcare” said Melanie Fontes Rainer, the Director for the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services. Fontes Rainer went on to describe that she was able to receive the standard of care that every single person across the country should receive and now cannot because of the Dobbs decision. Following two physicians at the event who described fearing prosecution while Ohio had a near-total abortion ban in place, Fontes Rainer highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to protect reproductive freedom and shared that “During that time, I was working on a rule that the Biden-Harris Administration has since put out to protect your privacy. That means law enforcement and other actors cannot just target your medical records to see what kind of healthcare you’re getting and target you and your provider for criminal, administrative, or civil liabilities. They can’t go after your doctors to threaten them.”

“Every single day there are extremist politicians who think that they know what my patients need better than my patients themselves, and who think that they know medicine and medical care better than I do,” said Dr. Maria Phillis, an OBGYN in Cleveland. She went on to highlight how difficult it is for providers to practice under abortion bans, sharing that “In Ohio, we know all too well the effects of a near total abortion ban because for about three months, we practiced with a near total abortion ban. We practiced while looking over our shoulders, trying to make sure that we saved our patients’ lives, that somebody wasn’t going to question it, send us to court, prosecute us, charge us with a felony, make us lose our license. We ended up turning away patients who had lethal fetal anomalies, who had complications serious enough to warrant an abortion under these bizarre standards that are set by these extremists who don’t really understand medical decision making or health care.”

“Prior to issue 1, abortion bans had affected young people both at my college and in Ohio because students did not feel safe and protected with attacks against their reproductive freedom and their right to reproductive and sexual health care,” said Ashley Grant, representing Planned Parenthood Generation Action Chapter at Case Western University. Speaking about how critical it is that young people are aware of resources that are available to them as attacks on our reproductive freedoms escalate, Ashley said “education and awareness of resources for students is powerful. We can and will make a change as young people not only in Ohio but nationwide” 

“I went into medicine knowing I wanted to take care of people, I really wanted to empower women through their health and share in the relationship only doctors and patients do,” said Dr. Tani Malhotra, a maternal fetal medicine specialist. “51 years ago, the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that decisions about abortion belong to patients and their doctors. The Dobbs decision took that away from me and from patients.” Speaking about who decides how much risk is worth taking in a pregnancy, Dr. Malhotra went on to say that “risk calculation belongs to the patient. Not only risk, but the decision to have a child, to grow a family – all those decisions belong to the people who are pregnant themselves. We have to trust women to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. The Dobbs decision took away personal, life affirming decisions from patients and gave it to lawmakers who have never had to sit with patients and share in the worst moments of people’s lives”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Cincinnati, Ohio next, where local storytellers and Congressman Greg Landsman 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 ashley@freeandjust.us.

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

###

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.

Student Leaders and Patient Storytellers Demand Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at “Ride to Decide” National Bus Tour Event On Ohio State Campus as Students Move In

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. 

###

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.

Congresswoman Summer Lee and State Rep. Arvind Venkat Join Patients and Community Leaders to Demand Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at “Ride to Decide” Bus Tour Event in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA –– Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) and State Rep. Arvind Venkat joined local storytellers, faith leaders, and community members at Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour event in Pittsburgh. 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, local patient storytellers, health care providers, and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Pennsylvania and across the country.

“Let's be clear, these abortion bans have created the most life threatening conditions for pregnant people in America in the last 50 years, in a country that already has the highest rate of maternal and infant mortality of any developed nation. These bans are endangering lives every single day for black women, the stakes are even higher,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee, who represents Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. “Make people who want to strip our rights uncomfortable, make them know that it is unacceptable for them to continue on with this crusade to erode and further erode our rights and harm our people.” 

“Two years ago, when the Dobbs decision came down, I recognized immediately that this was going to have a tragic effect on my patients,” said State Representative Arvind Venkat, a practicing emergency medicine physician who represents the 30th Legislative District. “Efforts to overturn abortion rights are costing women their health, their fertility and their lives. And, I have colleagues in other states who are calling lawyers on a regular basis to ask ‘is this woman sitting up for me to do my job?’ We can’t allow this to happen.”

“No health care provider should be burdened with the dual role of delivering exceptional, patient centered care while also managing the overwhelming logistics and emotional support required by so many of our patients,” said Nikkole Terney, the director of abortion care at Allegheny Reproductive Health Center. “We step into these roles because we know how vital it is to ensure patients receive the care that they need.”

“My faith as a Unitarian Universalist, says that the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was profoundly, utterly wrong,” said Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker, a Minister at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. “Every part of our body belongs to us, and no one else can make those decisions.” 

“I have heard from hundreds of women and people born with reproductive organs about what the fall of Roe has done to them,” said Alliyson Feldman, an organizer with Red Wine and Blue Pennsylvania, a community of women standing up to extremism across the state. “This fight requires more than our work here in Allegheny County and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – we have to work together across this great nation.” 

“There's nothing in the Bible that prohibits a woman from ending a pregnancy. In fact, the Bible repeatedly takes the position that human life begins at the first breath,” said Rev. Lee Anne Washington, a pastor at the Universalist Unitarian Church of the North Hills, who encouraged people of faith to engage in friendly dialogue with those who don’t support abortion. “Help them see a better way and that they can be good human beings, good Christians and followers of the Bible and still support women's reproductive freedom.” 

“I did what was right for my son, myself, and my family, and chose to have an abortion at 22 weeks into my pregnancy. I could not and would not carry my son for four more months, knowing his life would likely be filled with pain and suffering,” said Kelsey Leigh, who chose to terminate her pregnancy after receiving a devastating fetal diagnosis. “I chose to have an abortion and it's a decision I'm proud of. It's a choice that was only mine based on the information I had at the time, where I was in my life, and what I wanted to do.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to The Ohio State University campus in Columbus next, where local storytellers and campus leaders 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. 

###

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.

Doctors, Patients, and Community Leaders Spotlight Harms of Abortion Bans and Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at “Ride to Decide” Bus Tour Event in Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, PA –– Today, local health care providers, patient storytellers, and community leaders joined Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour event in Harrisburg 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, local patient storytellers, health care providers, and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Pennsylvania and across the country.

“I want to be able to do my job, and I want my patients to have access to care,” said Dr. Annahieta Kalantari, a board certified emergency medicine physician who practices in the area. Dr. Kalantri explained how attacks on reproductive freedom affect doctors and patients experiencing pregnancy complications. “In the emergency department, we take care of everyone – we welcome everyone with open arms. Attacks on reproductive rights compromise our ability to do that.”

“Less than two years ago, extremist lawmakers here in Pennsylvania launched an attempt to add language to our state’s constitution that says there is no right to abortion at all,” said Ronna Dewey, the Program Director of Red Wine and Blue Pennsylvania. Dewey explained that while abortion is currently legally protected in Pennsylvania, anti-aboriton extremists continue to look for new ways to attack reproductive freedom across the state.

“Without IVF, I would not have the grandchildren that I have,” said Rev. Joan M. Sabatino, who serves as the Director of the Unitarian Universalist Justice PA (UUJusticePA). Reverend Sabatino grew emotional while describing her daughters’ experience growing their families with IVF, a treatment anti-abortion extremists are targeting in states across the country. “I am opposed to our government attacking my daughters’ choice to have a family. Laws that regulate women’s choices don’t make any sense.” 

“In Pennsylvania, providers are playing the part of travel agents as well when patients come from out of state,” said Adam Hosey, who serves as Policy Director for Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates. Hosey highlighted how abortion restrictions in Pennsylvania, including mandatory waiting periods and “counseling,” limit access to care and harm patients. “We have a vision for a future in Pennsylvania where abortion is not only accessible, but affordable and folks do not feel stigmatized because of their health care choices. It’s something we can do, but we have to work together.” 

“We know that 8 in 10 Americans support abortion rights – that is why this fight is far from over,” said Annie Wu Henry, a popular content creator and digital media strategist who grew up in Pennsylvania. Henry, who was adopted from China, also criticized anti-abortion activists who push adoption as an alternative to abortion. “It’s infuriating to me when people speak on behalf of the adopted community.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Pittsburgh next, where Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) and State Representative Arvind Venkat will join local storytellers to 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. 

###

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.

Commissioner Makhija, Faith Leaders, and Abortion Rights Advocates Spotlight Harms of Abortion Bans and Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at “Ride to Decide” Event in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA –– Today, Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija joined advocates and community leaders at Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour event in Philadelphia 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, Commissioner Makhija, health care providers, and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Pennsylvania and across the country.

“I am the son of an OBGYN who practiced in a small town, and I saw thousands of patients trust my dad with their most personal and private decisions,” said Commissioner Neil Makhija, who serves as Montgomery County Commissioner and chairs the local Board of Elections. “The work that doctors are doing in service of their patients and their communities is being attacked by those who want to bring government in the way of the most fundamental, personal decisions that a person can make. As public leaders, we have to stand up and make sure that we give individuals the space to make the decisions that are best for them.”

“All families are sacred – and the choices around how those families come to be are sacred, too,” said Rev. Kevin W. Jagoe, a Minister at the BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Fellowship who highlighted the faith community’s historic role in assisting women seeking abortion care before Roe v. Wade was decided. “My faith compels me to advocate for the freedom to choose abortion, as well as comprehensive and affirming reproductive health care throughout the lifespan.”

“Abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania, but as all abortion providers know, legal does NOT mean accessible,” said Lizbeth Rodriguez, who serves as a patient advocate and Community Engagement Coordinator at the Philadelphia Women’s Center. Rodriguez urged Pennsylvanians to continue speaking out against restrictions that make providing and accessing abortion care difficult across the state. “We still face significant barriers and restrictions like forced parental involvement, mandatory 24 hour waiting periods, and others that further stigmatize abortion in the name of ‘patient safety.’” 

“Doctors experience infertility and often seek IVF treatment. Many of us put building our families on hold and choose not to attempt pregnancy while we go through our medical training,” said Dr. Megan Raymond, a Philadelphia native and OBGYN who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to train and practice medicine in her home state, but warned that attacks on access to abortion affect all types of reproductive health care, leaving doctors with limited options when choosing where to practice and plant roots. “Even if you are not someone who requires abortion care, you will be affected. I have friends who are looking to practice in states where they will have access to IVF and can build their families as they want to.”

“Everyone deserves respect and dignity and we have to fight to protect those rights,” said Jack Minnick, a mentor with Men4Choice, an organization dedicated to educating and engaging young men in the fight for reproductive freedom. “I believe in bodily autonomy, I believe in freedom, and I believe that the right to make personal and private decisions with your loved ones should never be questioned by people who are not involved.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Harrisburg 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. 

###

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.

Representative Diamond Staton-Williams and Abortion Rights Leaders Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at “Ride to Decide” Bus Tour Event in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC –– Today, State Representative Diamond Staton-WIilliams joined local patient storytellers and abortion rights advocates at Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour event in Charlotte 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, State Rep. Diamond Staton-Williams, local patient storytellers, and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in North Carolina and across the country.

“My family and I made the decision to have an abortion because it was what we needed for our family and it was our decision – not anyone else’s,” said State Representative Diamond Staton-Williams, who shared her own experience accessing abortion care. “We need people to stand up and speak out in every way possible. We need to be screaming at the top of our lungs about this, because it’s not only my health or your health – it’s our children's health.” 

Janice Robinson, the North Carolina Program Director at Red Wine and Blue shared that she had a “back alley” abortion in 1975, when she was a teenager, an experience she hopes to protect others from. “I'm sure in my small town, my lower-middle class mother probably was never told the US Supreme Court had decided women would have access to safe, legal abortions.” Robinson also highlighted how her organization is working to educate North Carolinians about ongoing attacks on reproductive freedom. “We are talking to our friends, family members and acquaintances about efforts to take away our freedom hasn't stopped at ending Roe, they've only intensified. The extremists' anti-abortion playbook has expanded to include attacks on access to IVF treatment, restrictions on access to medication abortion, and more. And they will continue these attacks on our freedoms with their Project 2025 Plan!”

Kindl Detar, the Special Deputy Attorney General, and the Director of the Public Protection Section shared the story of a woman in the Charlotte area who experienced life-threatening pregnancy complications and struggled to access care in North Carolina. “Amy's story is one of many reasons why the Department of Justice continues to defend women's access to reproductive health care, including by fighting for continued access to safe, effective medication abortion and by refusing to defend the clearly unconstitutional provisions in the anti-abortion law our legislature passed in the wake of the Dobbs decision.” Detar also highlighted how Attorney General Josh Stein is ending the rape-kit backlog in North Carolina and strengthening protections for survivors of domestic violence, and pledged to continue fighting to protect women across the state. “Led by AG Stein, the DOJ will continue to advocate for women across our state, working to make sure that we all are safe in our homes, in our communities – and in our doctor's office. Because it's the right thing to do.”

“Abortion providers in North Carolina have already had to navigate so many obstacles in the past two years. Our clinics are inundated with patients seeking care, from as close as First Ward or as far away as Fort Lauderdale. While providers are struggling to weather the storm, our patients are being forced to navigate incredibly confusing and complex logistical nightmares to receive abortion care under the pressure of an ever-ticking clock,” said Calla Hales, the Executive Director of A Preferred Women’s Health Center. “I know it’s hard to feel excited or optimistic about anything right now. Even turning on the news can feel like the most overwhelming endeavor – the world is on fire, in more ways than one. But this is not the time to throw your hands up and walk away, or to be paralyzed by your pain and frustrations - however valid they may be. To do so would be a death sentence to the rights and personal freedoms of millions of Americans, including several of us standing right here.” 

“Women and men who struggle with infertility should not be denied access to fertility treatments that help assist in family planning efforts. The fact that Senate Republicans blocked both the right to contraception act, as well as the right to IVF this year tells me they are not serious about protecting these rights,” said Lori Downey, who shared her own experience with fertility treatments, and blasted anti-abortion extremists for voting against protections for IVF treatment this summer. “I say to legislators who refuse to pass laws to protect our reproductive freedoms, our right to contraception and to IVF, do not add insult to injury to those who are already in deep pain by denying them access to the medical procedures they have every right to.” 

“Being from Charlotte, and raised on the beliefs of respecting women, I've grown up around mostly women – my mom, sisters, cousins, aunts, grandmothers, and female friends. This upbringing has instilled in me a strong sense of duty to protect women's rights,” said Jayson Faulkner, a fellow with Men4Choice, an organization dedicated to engaging men in the fight for reproductive freedom. At the event, Faulkner shared that he accompanied a friend to an abortion in high school, an experience that continues to inform his activism. “There are many women like my friend who need and deserve the right to make decisions about their own bodies. I know nothing else but to stand up for their health, autonomy, and freedom.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Raleigh 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. 

###

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.

Congresswoman Deborah Ross and State Sen. Natalie Murdock Join Free & Just, NextGen America, and Men4Choice at “Ride to Decide” National Bus Tour Event in Raleigh

RALEIGH, NC–– Yesterday, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and State Senator Natalie Murdock joined local advocates at Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour event in Raleigh 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. 

The event, co-hosted by NextGen America and Men4Choice began with a brief press conference before young men of color from the Raleigh area participated in a roundtable to highlight why men must engage in the fight for reproductive freedom. 

“Young women and their families don’t have the freedom to decide when and how to have children, and older women are appalled that their daughters and granddaughters have fewer rights than they did just four years ago,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who fought to protect access to abortion and reproductive health care during her time in the state legislature, and continues to lead efforts to protect access to IVF treatment and reproductive health care in Congress. “Even more alarming, many Republicans are actively calling for a national abortion ban, and they’ve shown us time and again that they won't stop at abortion. Everything from birth control pills to IVF and more are in peril.”

“Folks are working night and day to roll the clock back,” said State Senator Natalie Murdock, who blasted extremist lawmakers in the U.S. Senate for refusing to protect access to contraception earlier this summer. In July, Senator Murdock co-sponsored legislation in the North Carolina Senate to preserve access to contraception across the state. “Unfortunately, my extremist colleagues have no issue restricting reproductive rights. We just marked the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, and our collective nightmare continues each and every day. Just as we feared, extremist lawmakers are not stopping at abortion bans – they are just getting started.”

“When we think about reproductive freedom as ‘only about women,’ we lose sight of what it means to control a body,” said Dewayne Martin, the Youth Organizing Director of Men4Choice, an organization dedicated to educating and engaging men in the fight for reproductive freedom. During the roundtable, Martin urged others to think about how attacks on reproductive freedom affect all communities, and to consider the implications for other rights that we hold dear. “When we put the politics aside, what we’re really talking about is how we can exist without the control of another person.”

“What we are living through right now is historic. Millions of people across this country are reeling from attacks on reproductive freedom, and people are losing their lives,” said Antonio Arellano with NextGen America, who urged all North Carolinians to stand up for reproductive freedom and push back on attacks on abortion rights. “In this moment, there is no time to sit idly by. In this moment, we must rise up to meet this moment, and it’s going to require all of us.”

“It’s so important to sit and listen to actual stories about how bad laws affect the lives of other human beings,” said Chris Williams, a college student and Men4Choice fellow. “Hearing the stories of people who were negatively impacted by bad policy around reproductive freedom is really effective. You start to think “hey, someone was actually affected by this – I have to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

“We have to make sure we’re committed and staying intertwined in the effort so that ten years down the line, our kids are invested in these issues, and that things are better for them,” said Lamair T. Bryan, an organizer and the Triangle Region Coordinator for Advance Carolina and the North Carolina Black Alliance.

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 press conference and the roundtable 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.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Patients, and Health Care Providers Spotlight Harms of Abortion Bans at “Ride to Decide” Bus Tour Event in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA –– Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) joined patients, health care providers, and abortion rights advocates as Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour stopped in Atlanta. 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, local patient storytellers, health care providers, and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Georgia and across the country.

“It is the leaders in Georgia who have failed us and gotten us into this predicament in the first place,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), who highlighted how the state’s six-week abortion ban has made OBGYN shortages worse and left people without access to care. “When we talk about stopping abortion bans and protecting reproductive freedom – we are using our voices, our stories, and freedom.”

“Most folks who are accessing abortion care are already parents, and nobody knows better what their capacity is to parent than people who are parents. You can’t tell someone to ‘suck it up” or “have another baby’ – you cannot force someone to birth and take care of a child,” said Nandi, a mother of two and an abortion doula who shared her own experience accessing abortion care in Georgia. “As an abortion-haver, as a mom of two, as a doula – it’s really important that we continue to use our voices, share our stories, build our community, talk to our representatives, and let our voices be heard.”

“Sometimes in the emergency department we discover a new pregnancy, and I give patients news that changes their lives. We used to be able to sit down and talk through their options, but with the way things are right now, there’s not really much we can do once they hit six-weeks,” Dr. Juhi Varshney, an emergency medicine physician in Atlanta. “The abortion bans in our state are hurting all of us, and in ways we didn’t expect.”

“I work in an amazing clinic, but we are tired. We work every single day to help folks get to different states to get care,” said Suki O, an ultrasound technician in the Atlanta area who helps people seeking abortion care. “Every day I tell my patients ‘I love you, hold your head up,’ and ‘I am proud of you for making the best decision for you and your family.’”

“Men cannot afford to be passive observers in this fight,” said Davan'te Jennings, the Chairman of the Young Democrats of Georgia Black Caucus and an advocate with Men4Choice, who urged men in Georgia and across the country to engage in the fight for reproductive freedom. “When we speak out against harmful abortion laws, we show our mothers, our sisters, our partners, and our daughters, we show them that we care about their health, their autonomy, and their futures.”

“Young Georgians know that access to abortion and health care services may save their life or the life of someone close to them,” said Andrés Parra with the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition. “Young Georgians deserve the right to have a conversation with their families and their health care providers to make the best decisions for their health and their future. There is no room for legislators.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to North Carolina next, where local storytellers and local leaders in Charlotte and Raleigh 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.

Patient Advocates, Local Leaders and Abortion Rights Activists to Join Free & Just and Middle Georgia 4 Choice to Demand Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom as “Ride to Decide” Arrives in Macon

MACON, GA –– Yesterday, Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour arrived in Macon 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, local patient storytellers, health care providers, and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Georgia and across the country.

“Outlawing abortion inevitably impacts families experiencing pregnancy loss. Hopeful parents see their dreams turn into nightmares as they navigate the legal minefield abortion bans create,” said Julia Callahan, the co-founder of Middle Georgia 4 Choice, who detailed her experience with pregnancy loss, and shared her fears of miscarrying again under the extreme abortion ban in effect across Georgia today. “While extremist politicians have succeeded in banning abortion in twenty three states, they want to go even further by criminalizing the procedure nationwide. If they succeed, grieving parents like me could be jailed for losing a baby that they wanted.”

“I graduated nursing school in 1972, just one year before Roe v. Wade was decided,” said Lynne Snyder, a former nurse practitioner who grew emotional while sharing a handful of stories from women who accessed abortion care and went on to raise happy, healthy families when they were ready. “Reproductive health care is so important, and we cannot go backwards.” 

“Women shouldn’t be alienated and feel scared to go to the doctor because they feel like they are going to be denied care,” said Kristen Crane, a member of Middle Georgia 4 Choice, who suffered a miscarriage and is speaking out about how abortion bans affect women who need urgent medical care. “When abortion rights are under attack, all pregnancy care is under attack.”

“During my chidbearing years, I had every option on the table,” said Mia Robbins-Aguilar, who co-founded Middle Georgia 4 Choice. “I am here because I am angered, and I am afraid for my nieces and every young girl that I come into contact with. They should all have the same rights that I had. They should all have access to care and medical treatment.”  

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Atlanta 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.

If you are interested in audio or b-roll from today’s event, or would like to speak 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.