For Immediate Release: Friday, September 25, 2020
Media Contact: Racine Tucker-Hamilton, 301-922-8417, racine@blackrj.org
Planned Parenthood Media Office; 212-261-4433; media.office@ppfa.org
Sexual Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice Partner Statement on SCOTUS Vacancy
Justice Ginsburg was a tireless guardian of the Constitution, an outspoken protector of equality under the law and a lifelong advocate for fairness and justice. As leaders of the movements for reproductive justice, health, and rights, we honor her legacy by remaining steadfast in our commitment to fight for the rights, liberties and access to healthcare for all, including abortion. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a human rights advocate who understood that oppression is not a single issue predator. Oppression strikes at the intersection of many issues to dismantle our freedom and human rights. We understand that the fight for bodily autonomy is also the fight for freedom from violence and oppression.
The battle for the U.S. Supreme Court is about voting rights, healthcare access, and employment discrimination. It’s about food security and clean water. It’s about Immigrants’ rights and LGBTQ+ equality, safe housing, and communities protected from police violence. Truly the civil and human rights of every person in this country are at stake. Our lives are on the line. This is particularly true for Black and Brown people and communities who are most likely to suffer from unfair laws and injustice.
Let the people decide.
The Senate should not confirm any Supreme Court vacancy until after the inauguration.
We must ensure that the next justice is committed to protecting the civil and human rights of all people — rather than using the court to dismantle freedom.
As Justice Ginsburg reminded us in her dissenting opinion in the case that gutted the Voting Rights Act, the arc of history only bends toward justice “if there is a steadfast commitment to see the task through to completion.” We demand that the next person to sit on the high court promise to do just that.
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Advocates for Youth
All* Above All
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Black Women for Wellness
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Catholics for Choice
Center for American Progress
Center for Reproductive Rights
CHANGE (Center for Health and Gender Equity)
If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda
Ipas
NARAL Pro-Choice America
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum
National Council of Jewish Women
National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association
National Organization for Women
National Partnership for Women & Families
New Voices for Reproductive Justice
NIRH and NIRH Action Fund
PAI
Physicians For Reproductive Health
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Population Connection Action Fund
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
SisterLove
SisterReach
SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW!, Inc.
UltraViolet
We Testify
Whole Woman’s Health
Whole Woman’s Health Alliance