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. 

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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.

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. 

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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 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. 

###

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. 

###

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. 

###

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.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani, Patient Advocates, and Local Leaders Spotlight Harms of Abortion Bans and Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom as Ride to Decide Bus Tour Arrives in Orlando

ORLANDO, FL –– Today, State Rep. Anna Eskamani joined patient advocates and local leaders as Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour stopped in Orlando 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, local leaders, and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Florida and across the country.

“Regardless of what your political alliance is, decisions about one’s pregnancy, whether it is to become a parent and raise a child, or choose adoption, or end that pregnancy – the majority of Americans and the majority of Floridians agree that that decision should remain between that person, their family, their doctor, their faith – not politicians,” said State Representative Anna Eskamani, who represents District 42. “Abortion bans don’t actually stop abortion. They just push people who need care to challenging and unsafe means.”

“When I got pregnant, I panicked. I didn’t know how far along I was, but when I went to my doctor, I was told that I could not at that point in time have an abortion in the state of Florida,” said Keisha Mulfort, a senior communications strategist with the ACLU of Florida, who became pregnant after being told by her doctor that she could not carry a pregnancy and that being pregnant threatened her life. “There was not enough time for my doctors to provide me with adequate information for me to make an informed decision about my own body.” Mulfort urged her fellow Floridians to continue speaking out against abortion bans, and educating their communities about what’s at stake. 

“People in my congregation are asking me if I know how to access the life saving health care that they or their loved ones need. I am devastated to have to tell them about this ban and the many, many barriers to access that our Florida politicians have enacted. About the pain, suffering, and loss that this ban is causing. About the devastating message that it sends to my own young children and all young people,” said Rev. Kierstin Homblette Allen, a Unitarian Universalist minister and the affiliated minister at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. “Abortion bans are against my religion.” 

“Over the past few years, I have witnessed our Florida legislators continuously attack our reproductive freedom,” said Farah Al Jallad, an organizer with Florida Student Power, an organization that is building power in Black and Brown communities with young people leading the movement and decision-making process. “Each new bill that restricts abortion access makes it even harder for young people to receive basic health care services. Taking away people’s access to their own bodily autonomy does not prevent abortions – it just makes unsafe ones much more common.”

“Florida is under attack, extremism is rampant here and across the country,” said Sarah Parker, the Executive Director of Voices of Florida, a Black and queer-led organization dedicated to defending human rights and reproductive freedom. “Politicians are not health care providers. Politicians do not know what’s best for my family or yours when it comes to reproductive rights or access to abortion. Politicians should not have a say in whether or not someone receives an abortion.”

“This is not a ‘women’s issue,’ it’s a human issue,” said Beverly Casseus, a member of Florida Rising, an organization dedicated to advancing economic and racial justice across Florida. “We must band together, and we must tell Florida that this is not right and we need to change it.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Macon, Georgia 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.

Patient Advocates, Local Leaders, and Abortion Rights Activists Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at Community Roundtable as “Ride to Decide” Bus Tour Arrives in Tampa

TAMPA, FL –– Today, Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour stopped in Tampa 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 roundtable, local patient storytellers, student organizers, and local leaders shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Florida and across the country.

“There is a literal war happening in Florida for our reproductive rights, and there are casualties to the six-week ban,” said Sarah Parker, the Executive Director of Voices of Florida, a Black and queer-led organization dedicated to defending human rights and reproductive freedom. Parker blasted anti-abortion extremists who claim that “exceptions” under Florida law protect people who need abortions in the state. “There are no exceptions. This is a near total abortion ban, and they do not care. We have to do everything we can to make sure the people we love are safe, and able to access the health care that they need.”

Sabrina Bousbar, a Pinellas County native and former HHS official spoke directly to extremist lawmakers in Florida and across the country: “You need to be held accountable for your actions. You have made it clear that you will do anything in your power to enact a national abortion ban, instead of protecting families or women. You need to stop. These laws are so harmful and do nothing good for your communities. You are supposed to defend us, protect us, and help us. Right now, you’re doing the exact opposite.”

“You don’t know you’re going to need abortion care until you need it,” said Kris Lawler, who serves as Board President of the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund, and highlighted the growing need for support in accessing abortion care in the Tampa Bay area. “We see people come to us who don’t know about the six-week ban, don’t know where their nearest clinic is, or don’t know that they’re in a county that doesn’t have a clinic at all. That’s why we should all speak up. Speak to your friends and family about how to access abortion care and how to fight for reproductive justice.”

“Florida is not a safe place to be pregnant right now,” said Bree Wallace, the Director of Case Management at the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund who highlighted how the state’s current abortion ban is creating confusion among patients, and making it difficult for all communities to access the care they need. “The six-week ban that is in place right now affects all of us, including people who want to be pregnant, or people who already have children and know that they can’t have more right now for a number of reasons.”

“If we remain silent, nothing will change,” said Alyssa White, an organizer with Florida Student Power, an organization that is building power in Black and Brown communities with young people leading the movement and decision-making process. “Sharing information and educating the community on the current abortion ban, and where they can go to access care is important. If we don’t talk about this, who will?”

“Today, I am reminded that together we can work to make sure that everyone in Tampa Bay and across Florida has access to health care, is respected, and is reminded that they are worthy of dignity,” said Jennifer De Jesus, the Chief Learning & Equity Officer of Pro-Choice Therapists, who moderated the discussion. 

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Orlando next, where State Representative Anna Eskamani 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.

Patient Advocates, Local Leaders, and Abortion Rights Activists Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom at “Ride to Decide” Bus Tour Event in Miami

MIAMI, FLORIDA –– Today, Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour arrived in Miami 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, faith leaders, and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Florida and across the country.

“As extremist lawmakers push to ban abortion nationwide, we must understand what’s truly at stake. I stand before you not just as an activist, but as a survivor. When I was 14, I was sexually assaulted. But, at least I had access to safe, legal abortion care,” said Kat Duesterhaus, the founder of Bans Off Miami and the Legislative Director of the Florida State Chapter of the National Organization for Women. “To the lawmakers pushing these extreme measures, hear this: we will not be silent. We will not be passive. We will fight for the right of every individual to make decisions about their own bodies, free from government interference. Our voices are powerful, our resolve is unbreakable, and our cause is just.”

“It’s time for pro-choice men to get off the sidelines and get in the fight as allies for reproductive freedom,” said Jamison Brown, a college student and fellow with Men4Choice, who quoted Angela Davis and highlighted the racist roots of attacks on reproductive freedom. “Women of color, especially black women, have died at the hands of doctors. The last thing we need is a national abortion ban, because history will repeat itself.” 

“Although we already have a near-total six-week abortion ban in Florida, extremists still feel empowered to target vulnerable birthing people,” said Michidael Ceard, the Organizing Director of the Florida Student Power Network, an organization dedicated to building power among young Black, brown and marginalized youth across Florida. “Abortion is a health care choice – not a political one. We need our reproductive freedoms back.” 

“As a former Florida legislator, I have had the unfortunate distinction of standing in the Florida state capitol as the rights of women were stripped away,” said Dwight Bullard, who served in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate before joining Florida Rising. “Unfortunately, it’s not stopping. We see what extremists have planned with things like Project 2025. I like to remind folks that here in Florida, we’ve experienced Project 2025 for the last twenty five years, thanks to extremist legislators like Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, and Matt Gaetz. Today, they stand in congress waiting to pass a national abortion ban.”

“My family immigrated to Florida to escape an authoritarian government. We call Florida a ‘free state,’ yet we have a near-total ban on abortion,” said Leydi Amador, a Civic Engagement Organizer at Florida Student Power Network, who highlighted how attacks on access to contraception and comprehensive sex-education in Florida leaves students and young people across the state without the tools they need to keep themselves safe and healthy.

“Right now, I advise pregnant women to avoid Florida altogether, even for a wedding or a celebration. You do not want to have a miscarriage or a health care issue here,” said Joanne Sininsky, a former clinic escort and grandmother who had two abortions after becoming pregnant twice while using an IUD in the 1980s and ‘90s. “Everyone has a story. The more we hear them, the harder we must work.” Sininsky was joined at the event by her daughter, Cantor Shira Ginsburg.

“Jewish law permits, and even requires abortion in some circumstances. So, any law that limits a Jewish woman’s right to choose, therefore limits a Jewish woman’s ability to make her own decision according to her religious beliefs, said Cantor Shira Ginsburg, who holds the distinguished title of Cantor Emerita of East End Temple where she served as Senior Cantor for eighteen years. “Restricting access to abortion strips women of their fundamental autonomy over their own bodies, and makes what is a very private decision a public matter. It is up to us to ensure that a woman’s right to choose is hers, and hers alone.” 

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Tampa and Orlando 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.

At “Ride to Decide” National Bus Tour Event in Shreveport, Mother Denied Emergency Abortion Care, Patients, and Community Leaders Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA –– Today, Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide” national bus tour arrived in Shreveport to highlight what’s at stake as extremist lawmakers work to ban abortion nationwide. The event was hosted at the former Hope Medical Group for Women, which provided abortion care to the community for forty-two years before being forced to close due to Louisiana’s harsh abortion ban.

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 treatments. 

At the event, local patient storytellers and community members shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Louisiana and across the country.

“I saw firsthand what it is like to live under a strict abortion ban,” said Kaitlyn Joshua of Baton Rouge, who was turned away from two different hospitals while bleeding heavily and suffering a miscarriage. “We are on the frontlines of reproductive justice here in Louisiana, and it’s so energizing to see women, men, and families fighting to take our power back.”

Billy Anderson, an organizer with the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice reflected on the role of the now-closed Hope Medical Group for Women in the Shreveport community: “The clinic where we are today has given women in the Shreveport area the opportunity to continue their lives. I want that for my friends and for my family.”

“Not only did my abortion allow me time to grow into the woman I am now, it also allowed me to be the mother I am today,” said April Smalley, a Shreveport mom who came to Hope Medical Group for Women for abortion care in her early twenties. “We deserve access to care and the privacy to make decisions about our own bodies. These are decisions that should be made by women, not lawmakers.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Florida next, where storytellers in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando 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.

At “Ride to Decide” National Bus Tour Event in Baton Rouge, Patients Denied Abortion Care in Louisiana Spotlight Harms and Demand Federal Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA –– Today, Free & Just’s “Ride to Decide'' national bus tour stopped in Baton Rouge 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 and community leaders shared how attacks on reproductive freedom harm women and families in Louisiana and across the country.

“Women are being sent to other states for care, and that’s just unacceptable,” said Kaitlyn Joshua of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who was turned away from two different hospitals while bleeding heavily and suffering a miscarriage. “We need our families and our friends to get educated on this issue, and understand the intersectionality of abortion care and basic maternal health care – you can’t have one without the other.” 

“I am furious, I am angry, and I am disgusted,” said Nancy Davis, who was forced to travel nearly 1,500 miles to receive care in New York, when she learned that the baby she was pregnant with had acrania, a rare, but fatal condition. “This wasn’t just a denial of medical care – it was a denial of compassion, rights, and justice.” Outraged by her experience, she founded the Nancy Davis Foundation, which aids individuals who have endured trauma due to a prenatal developmental defect during pregnancy and advocates for reproductive justice.

“The restrictions imposed on women seeking abortion care in Louisiana are not just legal barriers – they are barriers to our autonomy, our health, and our rights,” said Bree Anderson, the co-founder of the A’sani Heartbeat Foundation, a local organization dedicated to advancing reproductive justice. The A’sani Heartbeat Foundation is named for Anderson’s daughter, who was born prematurely and passed away after eight days in the NICU. “These are not just policies, they are injustices that disproportionately affect women, especially those from marginalized communities.”

“I don’t have a personal story about abortion that I can share, but when Bree, and Nancy, and Kait, and thousands of other women are denied access to care – it happens to me,” said Dr. Alfreda Tillman Bester, the former Louisiana Secretary of Labor who served as General Counsel for the Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP. Dr. Tillman Bester thanked the women for sharing their stories, and urged her fellow Louisianans to understand how dangerous abortion bans are.

Angela Adkins, the Executive Director of 10,000 Women Louisiana, who served as the Director of Operations for two of the last three abortion clinics in Louisiana, described her work as a clinic escort as attacks from anti-abortion extremists escalated. “This work, while it was very hard and extremely stressful, was the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.”

The “Ride to Decide” tour is headed to Shreveport, Louisiana 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.