Our 2019 priority in Massachusetts: The ROE Act. Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts.

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts Dear searchingforreason.net Nearly half a century ago, Roe v. Wade guaranteed the right to safe, legal abortion. This ruling recognized the simple concept that our bodies are our own and the government should not infringe on our freedoms and fundamental rights.   This basic legal guarantee, however, is not enough. Since Roe v. Wade, politicians across the country have passed countless laws that restrict access to abortion. Even in Massachusetts, access to safe, legal abortion is too often dictated by your age, your income, your insurance status, your immigration status, or where you live.   As the Trump-Pence administration continues its daily assaults on our health and rights, and as the Supreme Court considers hearing a case designed to gut Roe v. Wade, we cannot be complacent here in Massachusetts,Searchingforreason.N. Join us on January 17 at Sexual Health Lobby Day, when the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund and our coalition partners unveil bold and comprehensive legislation at the Massachusetts State House to fulfill the promise of Roe v. Wade. An Act to Remove Obstacles and Expand Abortion Access, or the ROE Act, reforms our state’s abortion laws so that every person can control their own body, life, and future. This bill: Protects the health, safety, and privacy of young people by eliminating the onerous requirement that forces teens to obtain permission from a parent or judge to access safe, legal abortion; Respects the expertise of medical providers by expanding access to abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases of fatal fetal anomaly; Ensures equitable access to care by establishing safety-net coverage for abortion regardless of a resident’s income or immigration status;  Reforms outdated laws such as an unenforced 24-hour waiting period, while also declaring Massachusetts’ commitment to reproductive freedom in state law. In the face of the Trump-Pence administration’s dangerous attacks on reproductive rights, here in Massachusetts, we have an opportunity to make a bold statement: we won’t go back. In fact, we can blaze a trail for a future where safe, legal abortion is equitable, affordable, and accessible. But we need your help. Join the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund, our coalition partners, providers, young people, and other advocates at Sexual Health Lobby Day next Thursday, January 17th at the Massachusetts State House at 10 AM, to declare our support for the ROE Act. RSVP now. This is our chance to declare to state lawmakers: abortion is health care, and health care is a fundamental right. Sincerely, Jennifer Childs-Roshak, MD, MBA President Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts @DrJenCR P.S. Invite your friends to Sexual Health Lobby Day on Facebook so they take part in the unveiling of the ROE Act.