On April 18, 2007, the Supreme Court upheld President Bush’s Federal Abortion Ban with no exception for when a woman’s health is in danger.

This decision will affect women across the nation and will trump Massachusetts laws that protect reproductive freedom. In addition to threatening women’s health and privacy, any doctor who violates this ban could face criminal penalties of up to two years in prison. This decision is the latest in many attacks to undermine Roe v. Wade. Learn more about the decision.

 

(1) Support the Federal Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)
This piece of legislation before the U.S. Congress would codify Roe v. Wade into law and guarantee the right to choose for generations to come. FOCA would restore the reproductive rights as expressed in 1973 in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, before anti-choice legislators and courts chipped away at these rights. Take action today by sending a letter to your Congressman asking him to support the Freedom of Choice Act.

(2) Repeal Anti-Choice Statutes that Could Go into Effect if Roe is Further Undermined
The "Repeal Bill" (S. 831, H.1734) would repeal unconstitutional abortion and contraception restrictions in Massachusetts. The most troubling of these statutes is a requirement that all non-emergency abortions during or after the thirteenth week of pregnancy must be performed in a hospital. Since most hospitals in Massachusetts do not provide abortion services, this would impose a significant barrier for many women. Learn more about volunteer opportunities to promote the "Repeal Bill" this summer!

(3) Support Policies that Promote Prevention
With increasing federal restrictions that impact access to abortion services, we need to do all that we can to promote commonsense, prevention measures. This includes increasing awareness of emergency contraception, supporting the Health Education Bill, which makes health education (including sex education) a requirement in every MA public school, and promoting comprehensive health education in local communities. Learn more about volunteer opportunities to promote the comprehensive health education this summer!

(4) Host a House Party
Now is the time to help educate your peers about reproductive rights and motivate them to take action. Consider hosting an informal get-together so your friends can learn exactly what the Supreme Court decision means and what they can do. You invite the guests and we provide the rest (speaker, materials, invitations, etc.)! Host a house party today!

(5) Become a Member of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts
Now more than ever, we need your support. Please consider becoming a member of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts for just $35 a year. Donate today.

For more information about any of these opportunities, please contact Heather Geldhof, Organizer, at heather@prochoicemass.org or 617-556-8800 x13.