With SCOTUS Poised to Overturn Roe, Ballot Initiatives Offer Path to Protect Abortion Access
For Immediate Release
May 3, 2022
With SCOTUS Poised to Overturn Roe, Ballot Initiatives Offer Path to Protect Abortion Access
Several states have already introduced initiatives to codify abortion protections in their state constitutions
Washington, D.C. — Last night’s leaked Supreme Court draft opinion indicating that the Court is seriously considering overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, solidified what many of our reproductive rights partners have been saying for years – we are in a crisis for abortion access.
That said, it is important to note that as of right now, abortion is still legal in the United States. Should this draft opinion become the official position of the court, the outcome would be as devastating as it is unprecedented.
Overturning Roe is not the end goal for the anti-abortion movement. They have stated before their ultimate goal is to pass a nationwide abortion ban that would block abortion access in every state in the country. They won’t stop there – the power to control our bodies and future is on the line.
BISC and our partners are fighting back. In recent months, several states are working to codify abortion protections using the ballot initiative process. Now is the time to enshrine abortion protections in state constitutions. BISC is working with partners in Michigan and Vermont to ensure the people have a say at the ballot in 2022.
It is of paramount importance that people in the states know that they can use the ballot initiative process to codify abortion protections regardless of what the Supreme Court ultimately rules.
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Executive Director Chris Melody Fields Figueredo issued the following statement:
“Although we have known this was coming, last night’s leaked Supreme Court draft opinion only solidified the importance and urgency of securing state-level protections via ballot measures.
Ultimately, this decision will have huge impacts for those seeking abortions that will criminalize and disenfranchise people who can become pregnant, especially people of color, young people, gender non-conforming people, and other traditionally marginalized communities. It will criminalize the providers who offer healthcare and safety to people seeking abortions.
A line in the sand has been drawn, and BISC stands on the side of reproductive health, freedom, and justice. We will keep fighting back — against those seeking to restrict abortion access, and against all other attempts to silence our voices and our People.”
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Reporters who are interested in speaking with BISC Executive Director Chris Melody Fields Figueredo about the power of ballot measures to codify reproductive rights throughout the states can reach out to Britton Lee at [email protected] to schedule an interview.