MERJ Newsletter 1/10/2024
Image reposted from The Columbus Dispatch, 8/24/22.
MERJ Fundraiser was a HUGE success!
We are thrilled to announce that our year-end fundraiser on behalf of the Palestinian Feminist Collective and Middle East Children’s Alliance raised at least $13,725! We are so grateful to all our generous donors!
💵 Amazing Organization to Support Today — by moving money, we can make an immediate difference!
Clinic Vest Project (CVP)
Clinic Vest Project (CVP) — “helping folks exercise their right to choose, one vest at a time!”
From their website: “The mission of the Clinic Vest Project is to provide FREE clinic escort vests to groups that service facilities that support the full range of reproductive health options including safe and legal abortion. We also offer free training materials to groups that need them. … Why Give to CVP? The Clinic Vest Project is proud to say we now sent vests to over 100 clinics in 43 states nationwide and also in Canada and the UK. We never ration vest quantities for our clients and all vests are sent out with lots of love!
At least one member of MERJ’s leadership volunteers frequently to be as an abortion clinic escort. Please join us in supporting this worthy cause, in his honor!
📖 🎞️ 10-Minute Power Read and Power Watch, from ABC News:
‘Our hearts hurt’: Men impacted by abortion restrictions share their stories
Written by NADINE EL-BAWAB, CHRISTINA NG and TESS SCOTT. Published December 23, 2023 on the ABC News website.
🔊 Podcast Power Listen:
On Friday, June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Since then, it's been a barrage of bad news and bleak headlines. But for every restriction, there are many more acts of resistance, and a growing network of activists, clinic workers, faith leaders, and everyday people working to expand access to care.
This is the story of the fight for freedom in a post-Roe America, co-hosted by Samantha Bee and Gloria Riviera. Whether you’re deep in this fight already, or just sick of feeling hopeless, we’re here to tell you: anyone can become a defender.
This series is supported by Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Levi Strauss Foundation.
Available not only through Apple Podcasts, but through any podcast service provider.
🔊 Movie Recommendation:
With a controversial visionary at the helm, a grassroots network fights to expand access to abortion pills across the United States, keeping hope alive during a global pandemic and the fall of Roe v. Wade.
Available via many different streaming services!
📚 MERJ Book Club!
If you’re interested in joining the MERJ Leadership Team in reading and discussing this book, email us at action@endthepatriarchy.org and we’ll be happy to invite you to our book discussions!
You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion, by Dr. Meera Shah
Published in 2020; notes below from Bookshop.org
Chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic tells the myriad stories of diverse individuals whose abortion experiences bring vital and threatened reproductive rights to life
An intentionally wide range of ages, races, socioeconomic factors, and experiences shows that abortion always occurs in a unique context.
Today, a healthcare issue that's so precious and foundational to reproductive, social, and economic freedom for millions of people is exploited by politicians who lack understanding or compassion about the context in which abortion occurs.
Stories have power to break down stigmas and help us to empathize with those whose experiences are unlike our own. They can also help us find community and a shared sense of camaraderie over experiences just like ours. You're the Only One I've Told will do both.
Help and Resources to Share with Anyone Needing an Abortion: (from ifwhenhow.org)
Find a local clinic by using the National Abortion Federation map.
If you have questions about your legal rights and self-managed abortion, the Repro Legal Helpline is a free, confidential source for legal advice and information. Visit ReproLegalHelpline.org or call 844-868-2812.
If you are under 18 and need information about your rights to an abortion, you can message or call our Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812. You can also read more about your rights on our Judicial Bypass Wiki.
If you have been arrested, contacted by the police, or fear you may be arrested for a self-managed abortion, our Repro Legal Helpline can provide immediate legal advice and support, and our Repro Legal Defense Fund can help with bail and legal fees. You can call our Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812, and for help with bail and other fees, visit ReproLegalDefenseFund.org.
