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NBC 10 | Bill protecting location data related to reproductive and gender-affirming care clears Mass. House 159-0
In the News Leah Cohen In the News Leah Cohen

NBC 10 | Bill protecting location data related to reproductive and gender-affirming care clears Mass. House 159-0

"In the two years post-Dobbs, hostile actors have targeted the location data of patients and providers in all 50 states, and now, we are increasingly concerned that this data will be weaponized against those seeking and providing care in Massachusetts," Rebecca Hart Holder, president of the Reproductive Equity Now group, said Tuesday. "Today the House is making an important statement that we will not let that stand in our Commonwealth. We are proud that the House understands that abortion patients are not fully protected until their digital footprint is protected, too."

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MassLive.Com | Mass. House Dems propose data ‘shield’ around reproductive care
In the News Leah Cohen In the News Leah Cohen

MassLive.Com | Mass. House Dems propose data ‘shield’ around reproductive care

Rebecca Hart Holder, president of the advocacy group Reproductive Equity Now, credited the Legislature for “continually recogniz[ing] the evolving threat to abortion patients and providers and has aggressively expanded access and protected care since the fall of [Roe v. Wade].

Since the high court’s ruling toppling Roe, “hostile actors have targeted the location data of patients and providers in all 50 states, and now, we are increasingly concerned that this data will be weaponized against those seeking and providing care in Massachusetts,” Hart Holder continued.

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Hartford Courant | As abortion access wanes nationwide, so does sense of urgency, outrage in CT, advocates say
In the News Leah Cohen In the News Leah Cohen

Hartford Courant | As abortion access wanes nationwide, so does sense of urgency, outrage in CT, advocates say

“Reproductive equity is on the ballot this election day and we are going to see people turn out in big numbers for candidates who run on abortion access,” Gustafson said.

Gustafson said abortion-rights advocates are emphasizing that even though Connecticut may be protected in state law, “there is more to do to ensure equitable access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care.”

“The battle for reproductive freedom and equity has not slowed down,” Gustafson said, adding that residents in the state feel and recognize the urgency of the moment.

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CT Insider | CT sees 150% increase in people coming from out of state for abortion care, officials say
In the News Leah Cohen In the News Leah Cohen

CT Insider | CT sees 150% increase in people coming from out of state for abortion care, officials say

On an interpersonal level, the abortion ban works to criminalize and further stigmatize the procedure and abortion medication more than it already is, said Liz Gustafson, the Connecticut state director of Reproductive Equity Now.  

When she had her abortion, her friend was concerned about her well-being when she couldn't reach Gustafson the following day and the police showed up for a wellness check, she said. Even now, Gustafson said she still feels the internalized shame and stigma of having an abortion.

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State House News Service | Healey: SCOTUS Ruling Leaves Pregnant Women In "Limbo"
In the News Leah Cohen In the News Leah Cohen

State House News Service | Healey: SCOTUS Ruling Leaves Pregnant Women In "Limbo"

Rebecca Hart Holder, president of advocacy organization Reproductive Equity Now, said the fight over emergency abortion care is “not over,” as she urged voters to elect “reproductive equity champions” this November.

“We know litigation in this case will continue in the coming months, and we would not be surprised to see this question before the Supreme Court again,” Hart Holder said. “It’s hard to celebrate this temporary relief because the question before the Court is so outrageous, insulting, and terrifying in the first place.”

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State House News Service | Mass. House approves wide-ranging maternal health bill
In the News Leah Cohen In the News Leah Cohen

State House News Service | Mass. House approves wide-ranging maternal health bill

“The provisions in this package have been proven to improve birthing experiences for Black and brown birthing people, lower health care costs, expand the maternal health care workforce, and give pregnant people the ability to decide how and where to give birth with dignity,” Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder said in a statement. “Today marks a big step in the fight to improve birthing outcomes, and we now look forward to working with the Senate to get this package across the finish line this session.”

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CT Mirror | Supreme Court abortion pill ruling cheered in CT, but worries persist
In the News Leah Cohen In the News Leah Cohen

CT Mirror | Supreme Court abortion pill ruling cheered in CT, but worries persist

“While today we breathe a sigh of relief, the court has left the door open to future litigation. And we know and recognize that anti-abortion extremists are not stopping their attacks anytime soon as they attempt to restrict and ban abortion in all 50 states,” said Liz Gustafson, Connecticut state director for Reproductive Equity Now, an organization advocating for reproductive rights in New England.

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GBH | Mass. House votes to expand the definition of 'parent'
In the News Leah Cohen In the News Leah Cohen

GBH | Mass. House votes to expand the definition of 'parent'

“Reproductive equity is not a reality in Massachusetts until every individual — and every LGBTQ+ family — is able to make decisions about whether and when to parent, and to parent with dignity,” Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder said in a statement. “This bill will protect family formation in a post-Dobbs world, ensure that LGBTQ+ parents have the protections they need to start or build their families, and support children’s development and well-being over a lifetime.”

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