November 7, 2020

Uncategorized

The Associated Press has called the race: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be the next President and Vice President of the United States.

We are deeply relieved that we will soon see an end to the divisive and harmful policies of the Trump-Pence administration, policies that negatively impacted women, immigrants, people of color, and the LGBTQIA+ community, and that did little to help folks struggling economically. With President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the White House, we hope to see policies guided by science and compassion, rather than ideology and fear. We are also honored and excited to celebrate the election of our nation’s first female, and first Black and South Asian-American Vice President. This is truly historic and long overdue.

Alongside our allies nationwide, Maine Family Planning urges the Biden-Harris administration to prioritize protecting and expanding reproductive freedom, including by suspending the harmful and unlawful Domestic Gag Rule that erected barriers to essential health care for tens of thousands of Mainers and millions nationwide. Furthermore, we reiterate our demand for additional federal relief for states and frontline health care workers amid the worsening COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re also celebrating how many Mainers cast their ballots for pro-family champions in our state legislature, who will work to protect and expand access to health care including life-changing services like birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and abortion care.

If we want to build a truly just future, we must continue fighting to make sure Maine values are represented at every level of government. ✊🏽

What now?

With Amy Coney Barrett’s sham confirmation to the Supreme Court, 17 cases in the SCOTUS pipeline that could weaken or overturn Roe v. Wade, and the Affordable Care Act about to be considered, meaningful access to all sorts of basic care is on the line. Maine’s pro-family leaders must work to ensure health care access is protected here, no matter what happens at the Supreme Court.

That means working together to eliminate barriers and strengthen rights across Maine. It means:

  • Funding family planning providers;
  • Shoring up support for Maine’s Reproductive Privacy Act, which protects the right to abortions in Maine even if Roe v. Wade falls;
  • Enacting proactive policies that ensure everyone is able to live safely, make personal decisions about their health care, and thrive in their communities;
  • Confronting racial and systemic inequalities head-on so that all people can get the care they need, no matter their gender identity, race, zip code, insurance status, internet connection, or income;
  • Supporting local abortion providers and abortion funds.

If 2020 has shown us anything, it is that we are resilient. And our strength comes from each other — not from politicians or judges. 

So for now, rest. As health care providers, it’s our job to remind you to take good care of your body and mind after days of hunched-over doom-scrolling. And as advocates, we know it’s critical to recharge for the battle ahead.

As always, we’re here for you. Email outreach@mainefamilyplanning.org to help protect and expand reproductive rights in Maine.