Reproductive Equity Now Expands Advocacy Work into Connecticut and New Hampshire
The advocacy group aims to create the first regional model for reproductive equity and make New England a beacon for abortion access
BOSTON (September 26, 2023)—Reproductive Equity Now, Massachusetts’ leading advocates for reproductive freedom and abortion access, today announced it will expand its public education and advocacy work to include New Hampshire and Connecticut. The organization aims to build the first regional model for reproductive equity advocacy and make New England a leader in protecting and providing reproductive health care for all.
Reproductive Equity Now has a proven record of relationship building, policy expertise, and passing bold laws that will inform its growth and impact throughout New England.
“What has become abundantly clear since the fall of Roe is that protecting and expanding abortion access is a state-by-state, voter-by-voter grassroots battle. Now, as 20 states have moved to restrict or ban abortion, wiping out access to care in broad regions of our country, we must focus on state-by-state work to build a regional block for abortion access—right here in New England,” said Rebecca Hart Holder, President of Reproductive Equity Now. “Reproductive Equity Now’s expansion reflects the urgency we face as a region in demanding, protecting, and expanding abortion access and reproductive equity for all. In New England, what impacts one state impacts us all, and that’s why Reproductive Equity Now is focused on leading these grassroots fights in Massachusetts, and now across our region.”
In Connecticut, as Pro-Choice Connecticut sunsets this fall, Reproductive Equity Now will pick up the mantle and carry on the legacy of bold reproductive health care advocacy in the state. The Connecticut expansion will be led by former Pro-Choice Connecticut State Director Liz Gustafson.
“It is clear that the fight for reproductive freedom is being fought, and won, state-by-state, region-by-region. Connecticut has seen firsthand what happens when we mobilize and organize at the state level: electing pro-choice majorities in the House and Senate, passing laws that expand access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, and implementing bold policies to protect patients and providers,” said Liz Gustafson, Reproductive Equity Now’s Connecticut State Director. “Now, we’re growing our team and our footprint to expand the capacity of advocates in the state and build a regional powerhouse for abortion access. We’re thrilled to be carrying on Connecticut’s long record of reproductive health care leadership and doing the work to break down barriers to abortion access throughout the region.”
In New Hampshire, Reproductive Equity Now will invest in civic engagement and voter education to help shift the tides in the Granite State and oust anti-abortion politicians from office. The organization will work to amplify the critical work being done by advocacy groups, abortion funds, and providers on the ground and invest additional resources, with a focus on reproductive equity and grassroots engagement, to change the landscape of reproductive health care in the Granite State.
While abortion currently remains legal in New Hampshire, it is the only state in New England that has not codified the right into state law. In just 2021, the Legislature passed the state’s first abortion ban. New Hampshire’s Executive Council has also voted repeatedly to defund the state’s family planning contracts, which has limited reproductive health centers who provide abortion in providing Granite Staters with birth control, STD testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and annual exams.
Reproductive Equity Now’s New Hampshire expansion will be led by Christina Warriner, a Concord, NH native who served as a North Country regional field director during the 2020 New Hampshire presidential primary and, most recently, joined the board of New Leaders Council (NLC) New Hampshire as co-curriculum director.
“Granite Staters share a deep commitment to reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and dignity in health care. But following decades of attacks on these values from New Hampshire executive and legislative leaders—including the state’s first abortion ban passed in just 2021—there is work to do to protect and expand access to reproductive health care in the state,” said Christina Warriner, Reproductive Equity Now’s New Hampshire State Director. “We are committed to ensuring every New Hampshire resident the ability to decide if, when, and how to become a parent, and that when they choose to start a family, they have the ability to raise children with dignity. Expanding access to care in New Hampshire is key to making New England a regional block for abortion access.”
Reproductive Equity Now’s wins in Massachusetts include:
Securing the right to abortion care in state law through the ROE Act
Creating the New England Abortion Care Guide
Passing legislation to protect providers and patients following the fall of Roe
Securing nearly $20 million to support abortion access and infrastructure after the fall of Roe
Launching the Abortion Legal Hotline in partnership with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and partners
Releasing the Beyond Roe Agenda in partnership with Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of MA and the ACLU of Massachusetts
“We have seen time and time again that New England states are most effective in passing bold policy when we work together, share strategies, and collaborate across state lines,” said Kathy Gasperine, President of Reproductive Equity Now’s Board of Directors. “At this moment of crisis for reproductive freedom, there is no shortage of voices that are needed to forestall attacks and make the connection between abortion access, maternal health, and health equity. We look forward to bringing our expertise and support to a coalition of incredible advocates in Connecticut and New Hampshire who are building movement power, electing champions for reproductive freedom, and lobbying the legislature on pro-repro policy.”
As part of its regional expansion, Reproductive Equity Now will also be expanding its Board of Directors to include members from New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Learn more about Reproductive Equity Now’s work in Connecticut and New Hampshire.
Based in New England, Reproductive Equity Now works to make equitable access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care a reality for all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, zip code, gender, age, immigration status, ability, sexual orientation, or religion. Advancing reproductive justice and eliminating barriers to safe, legal abortion care are central to the organization’s mission.
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