MERJ Newsletter 2/19/2024
Image reposted from Common Dreams, 7/19/21.
💵 Amazing Organization to Support Today — by moving money, we can make an immediate difference!
Austin Women’s Health Center (TX)
“Dedicated care, real choices.”
From their website: “Austin Women’s Health Center was founded in 1976 with the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality reproductive health care in a private and personal setting. We are proud to be the first physician-owned clinic in Austin providing our patients with compassionate abortion services and gynecological care. We are among the first clinics to offer patients personalized pregnancy and abortion counseling services. Since opening our doors in 1976 we have remained committed to our high standards while evolving to fit the changing needs of our patients. While current state law prohibits us from providing abortion care, we are committed to continuing to provide superior health care and exceptional emotional support. Read more about our unique approach.
Please join us in supporting this worthy cause!
📖 10-Minute Power Read, from “Abortion Every Day” blogger and news analyst Jessica Valenti:
“The Anti-Abortion Blueprint: An Oklahoma bill lays out Republicans' national abortion strategy”
Written by Jessica Valenti. Published February 19, 2024 on her Substack.
🔊 Podcast Power Listen:
“A Step Toward Justice examines historical and contemporary topics related to the reproductive justice movement and framework. In this six-episode series, the hosts, Dr. Justina Licata and Isabel Stephens discuss medical racism, eugenics and forced sterilization practices, abortion rights, as well as disability and LGBTQ+ activism.
“We would like to thank Randolph College's Summer Research Program for supporting this research and public history project.”
For more information, see this article on the Randolph College website about the podcast.
Available not only through Apple Podcasts, but through Spotify and other podcast service providers.
📚 MERJ Book Club!
If you’re interested in joining the MERJ Leadership Team in reading and discussing this book, email us at action@endthepatriarchy.org and we’ll be happy to invite you to our book discussions!
You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion, by Dr. Meera Shah
Published in 2020; notes below from Bookshop.org
Chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic tells the myriad stories of diverse individuals whose abortion experiences bring vital and threatened reproductive rights to life
An intentionally wide range of ages, races, socioeconomic factors, and experiences shows that abortion always occurs in a unique context.
Today, a healthcare issue that's so precious and foundational to reproductive, social, and economic freedom for millions of people is exploited by politicians who lack understanding or compassion about the context in which abortion occurs.
Stories have power to break down stigmas and help us to empathize with those whose experiences are unlike our own. They can also help us find community and a shared sense of camaraderie over experiences just like ours. You're the Only One I've Told will do both.
Help and Resources to Share with Anyone Needing an Abortion: (from ifwhenhow.org)
Find a local clinic by using the National Abortion Federation map.
If you have questions about your legal rights and self-managed abortion, the Repro Legal Helpline is a free, confidential source for legal advice and information. Visit ReproLegalHelpline.org or call 844-868-2812.
If you are under 18 and need information about your rights to an abortion, you can message or call our Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812. You can also read more about your rights on our Judicial Bypass Wiki.
If you have been arrested, contacted by the police, or fear you may be arrested for a self-managed abortion, our Repro Legal Helpline can provide immediate legal advice and support, and our Repro Legal Defense Fund can help with bail and legal fees. You can call our Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812, and for help with bail and other fees, visit ReproLegalDefenseFund.org.
