Pausing my fundraising
Dear Portlanders,
I cannot remember a time when I was not pro-choice. As a youth, I listened to the conversations of older women who told horror stories about botched back-alley abortions. I was raised to believe “my body, my choice”. Now 50 years later we are on the perilous edge with news that our constitutional right to abortion may be ended by the U.S. Supreme Court. In response, I am pausing my campaign fundraising today and urging my supporters and other political campaigns to redirect donations to abortion providers and advocates.
We have a right to be angry. While Oregon has been a strongly pro-choice state, it was not until recently that we addressed disparities in access for immigrants and low-income communities. We have also seen anti-choice actions being taken by electeds and candidates who publicly state they are pro-choice when asked. Even on our own city council.
This moment demands action. I got involved in the Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Act after watching men attempting to prevent access to reproductive health care for the poor and people of color. I have worked to train the next generation of pro-choice activists, and this is our time to fight. I urge you to redirect your support to:
Health Clinics | keepourclinics.org/donate
NW Abortion Access Fund | nwaafund.org
Pro-Choice Oregon (formerly NARAL) | prochoiceoregon.org
Forward Together | forwardtogether.org
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon | ppaoregon.org
In the next 24 hours, I’ve directed my campaign to update our donation page and will redirect new donors to give to these groups I’ve highlighted. We will continue this through the weekend and then re-evaluate.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann
