The NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts PAC, Planned Parenthood Announce ROE Act Champion Endorsements
BOSTON. – In their first ever jointly announced endorsements, the NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts PAC and Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts today announced a first slate of incumbent state legislators that each organization has distinguished as ROE Act Champions. This distinction is in recognition of these lawmakers’ vocal support and dedicated advocacy to pass the ROE Act this legislative session. The ROE Act is proactive legislation that will ensure safe, legal abortion is accessible to all Bay Staters free from politically-motivated barriers. The slate of endorsed candidates is attached and available here.
“These ROE Act Champions are committed to undoing decades old political barriers to care and building a Commonwealth in which every person’s health and rights are secure,” said Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “Our ROE Act Champions understand that it is not enough for abortion to be safe and legal, but it must be accessible for all, free from barriers and stigma. By leading the charge to pass the ROE Act this legislative session, these elected leaders are pushing to eliminate barriers to abortion that perpetuate systemic racism and discrimination. With the backing of Massachusetts voters, our ROE Act Champions will lead the passage of this crucial public health bill and fortify Massachusetts’ position as a national leader in reproductive rights.”
“During the 2019-2020 legislative session, the ROE Act gained incredible momentum, due in large part to the support of the ROE Act Champions. These pro-choice champions have made passing the ROE Act a top legislative priority,” said Rebecca Hart Holder, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. “This session has posed unprecedented challenges but, through it all, these Champions have remained committed to removing barriers to abortion care in Massachusetts. These politically motivated barriers, which impede access to reproductive health care and disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color, have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring swift and immediate action. Let’s be clear. Reproductive freedom is under attack across the country. As radical anti-choice politicians legislate new barriers to abortion care, Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead the nation by removing our barriers and ensuring that all Bay Staters have access to safe, legal abortion care. These legislators are exactly the people we need fighting for the ROE Act on Beacon Hill.”
The ROE Act (S. 1209, H. 3320) will improve access to affordable abortion by removing medically unnecessary, onerous restrictions and by treating safe, legal abortion as all other health care. Among its provisions, the ROE Act will safeguard young people by ensuring they can access care and meet with trained medical providers without unnecessary delay. The ROE Act is supported by 104 cosponsors in the House and Senate, and dozens of organizations.
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