SCOTUS Strikes Down Louisiana Law Designed to Shut Down Abortion Clinics
The Ohio Democratic Party and Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus released the following statement in response to this week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a dangerous Louisiana law that is designed to shut down abortion clinics.
“The Supreme Court ruling is good news — but the fight to protect reproductive freedom is far from over,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper. “Under then-Gov. John Kasich and the GOP-led legislature, Ohio enacted more than 20 restrictions on abortion, and half of the state’s abortion clinics were forced to shut their doors. With Mike DeWine as governor, the Republican politicians at the Statehouse have continued to attack access to reproductive health care. They have proposed legislation that could lead to doctors and patients being charged with murder, and DeWine refuses to say whether he would sign the bill. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost even tried to use the coronavirus crisis as an excuse to attack abortion access.
“Even after Ohio Republicans have passed law after law attacking reproductive freedom — harmful laws that have been blocked again and again — they keep trying to insert themselves in the intensely personal decision of whether or not to continue with a pregnancy and become a parent.”
“All people should have the freedom to make their own decisions about their health, their families, their lives and their futures,” said Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus Chairwoman Kathy DiCristofaro. “Dangerous laws like the one in this case were designed to shut down abortion clinics. There are no medical reasons for these types of restrictions — and they harm the women and families they purport to help.
“The anti-choice movement has spent decades working to decimate access to abortion, state by state, law by law. This Louisiana law is one part of a coordinated effort by the anti-choice radical right to overturn Roe v. Wade and advance their agenda of power and control. Republican politicians will keep trying to attack reproductive freedom, but support for Roe is higher than ever. We must hold anti-choice politicians accountable at the ballot box in 2020 and beyond.”
EMILY’s List Endorses Desiree Tims
EMILY’s List has endorsed Desiree Tims in Ohio’s 10th Congressional District. Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, released the following statement:
“Desiree Tims is an outstanding public servant and EMILY’s List is thrilled to endorse her in Ohio’s 10th Congressional District. Desiree has dedicated her career to fighting for policies that work for working families. A Dayton native with extensive experience in activism and on Capitol Hill, she is uniquely qualified to represent Ohioans in the fight for expanded access to health care, affordable education and economic opportunities. When she wins in November, Desiree will be the first woman and African American to represent her district in Congress, and EMILY’s List is proud to stand with her.”
Desiree Tims and Kate Schroder have also earned the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice America.
Celebrate Pride
As Pride Month comes to a close, we are continuing to celebrate our LGBTQ+ elected officials, particularly our Black LGBTQ+ leaders.
Sheena Barnes is the executive director of Equality Toledo, a mom of three and a newly elected member of the Toledo Public Schools Board of Education. Read on to find out more about Sheena:
Make Calls, Elect Democratic Women!
We have lots of fantastic women candidates that are running for office this year, and they need your help. Even though most campaigns aren’t knocking doors or conducting in-person volunteer events at this time, many are holding virtual phone banks. You can make calls and talk to voters for state Rep. Jessica Miranda, Kate Schroder, Alaina Shearer, Betsy Rader and other women candidates who are running for Congress and the Ohio Statehouse.
Visit the Ohio Dems Mobilize page and find a time that works for you to make calls!
- Thursday, July 2 — National Women for Biden Call with Sen. Tammy Duckworth
- Thursday, July 2 — Mommies for Democracy in Colonial Hills with Alaina Shearer for Congress
- Tuesday, July 7 — Ohio Promise Virtual Town Hall with Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Sykes
- Tuesday, July 7 — Coffee with Kate Schroder for Congress on Facebook Live
- Wednesday, July 8 — Vino the Vote with Red, Wine & Blue
- Thursday, July 9 — Virtual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser with Joan Sweeny for Ohio House
- Friday, July 10 — Virtual Ohio Promise Town Hall with State Representatives Sedrick Denson, Catherine Ingram, Brigid Kelly and Jessica Miranda
- Tuesday, July 14 — Virtual Ohio Promise Town Hall with State Representatives David Leland, Mary Lightbody, Beth Liston and Allison Russo
- Tuesday, July 14 — Virtual Town Hall with Crystal Lett and Kathy Wyenandt for Ohio Senate
- Wednesday, July 15 — Virtual Ohio Promise Town Hall with State Rep. Stephanie Howse
- Tuesday, July 21 — Virtual Town Hall with Crystal Lett and Tom Jackson for Ohio Senate
In solidarity,
Kathy DiCristofaro, Chair
Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus
Paid for by the Ohio Democratic Party.
