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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2021 Over 150 Attendees and 80 Organizations Show Support For the Reproductive Freedom Act Virtual rally, public letter, and mobile billboard all demand action from legislative leadership on urgent abortion access bill Over 150 people turned out for a virtual rally today to show their support for the Reproductive Freedom Act (S3030/A4848) and demand action from New Jersey’s legislative leadership. The event, hosted by the Thrive NJ Abortion Access Subcommittee, highlighted the urgency of this bill in protecting and expanding access to time-sensitive reproductive care, including abortion and birth control. In addition, eighty progressive organizations (listed below) signed on to an open letter addressed to the legislative leadership, fully endorsing the Reproductive Freedom Act and calling for the bill to be moved and passed now. Also, a mobile billboard was unveiled today that will circulate throughout Middlesex County, Gloucester County, and Trenton to raise awareness that the RFA is urgently needed. Gov. Murphy visited the mobile billboard after his briefing in Trenton, and reaffirmed his support for the swift passage of the Reproductive Freedom Act. (See images attached.) The Reproductive Freedom Act has three main goals: enshrine the fundamental right to abortion in state statute; remove financial barriers that block access to reproductive health care and hurt patients’ health; and eliminate outdated and medically unnecessary regulations that only block access to care. The bill has already been introduced in both chambers of the New Jersey legislature and has strong support among legislators, but has not been scheduled for a hearing in either the Senate or Assembly health committees. Thrive NJ and its members have not heard from the Senate or Assembly leadership as to why this bill is not advancing, but are eager to meet with them to discuss any concerns. Speakers addressed the group in both English and Spanish. Speeches are excerpted below. Speakers with email addresses listed are open to being contacted by press. Dr. Kristyn Brandi, Physicians for Reproductive Health “The Reproductive Freedom Act would ensure that regardless of background or life’s challenges, all New Jerseyans can access safe, effective, bias-free reproductive health care, including abortion care. I call on legislators to support the RFA to help people access whatever care they need, whenever they need it, free of barriers. Regardless of income, insurance status, or immigration status – every person, everybody deserves care.” Dr. Emma Cortes, physician and clinic escort “As physicians we are instilled with the four principles of ethics, which are beneficence, respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, and justice. Since my medical life began, there have been more than 480 medically unnecessary laws that have been passed, limiting access to key healthcare. Allowing political motivations to determine access to healthcare opposes all four of the basic ethics of medicine.” Gaby Garcia-Vera, Catholics for Choice “I am one of the majority of the faithful in the Catholic Church who believes that our tradition supports a person’s right to follow their conscience on important moral matters, including reproductive health decisions which include access to abortion. And just so we are clear: Protecting reproductive health care is a Catholic value.” “Soy uno de la mayoría de los fieles de la iglesia católica que cree que nuestra tradición apoya el derecho de las personas a seguir su conciencia en asuntos morales importantes, incluyendo decisiones sobre la salud reproductiva y el acceso al aborto. Y para que quede muy claro, proteger la salud reproductiva es un valor católico.” Jen Groves, NOW-NJ, Cherry Hill Women’s Center “As abortion providers, we know it is time to get rid of outdated and harmful regulations and secure a future that safeguards reproductive care, upholds basic rights and justice, and respects decision-making throughout pregnancy. We need the Reproductive Freedom Act because our communities thrive when we look out for each other, our loved ones, and our neighbors.” Nadia Hussain, Moms Rising "Passing the Reproductive Freedom Act S3030/A4848 will help protect and expand everyone's ability to receive reproductive health care, such as birth control and pregnancy-related care, including abortion care. Being able to manage how many children we have and when we have them has been nothing short of revolutionary. It has helped to narrow the gender pay gap, improve health outcomes, and led to increased economic and political power." Karol Ruiz, human rights activist “It is way past time for our legislators to pay the debt owed to Black, Latin American, immigrant, and communities with low income too long denied equal access to healthcare. While contraception, healthcare, abortions, and resources for new parents are easily available to the wealthiest among us, legislators abuse religion and partisanship to continue denying our communities the care we need to thrive. The Reproductive Freedom Act must pass NOW!” Alejandra Sorto, ACLU-NJ “Currently, there are 19 cases that could overturn or severely limit the right to an abortion that are before or one-step away from the Supreme Court. Also, just in the last decade, there have been over 480 medically-unnecessary and politically-motivated restrictions on abortion that have been enacted. The moment for NJ to protect this fundamental right in statute is now. Actualmente, hay 19 casos que podrían anular o limitar severamente el derecho al aborto que están ante o a un paso de la Corte Suprema. Además, solo en la última década, se han promulgado más de 460 restricciones en contra del aborto, las cuales son médicamente innecesarias y con motivaciones políticas. El momento para que Nueva Jersey proteja este derecho fundamental bajo la ley es ahora.” Kristin Wald, Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (SOFIA) “Many who experience domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, experience a loss of self-confidence and feel out of control in issues regarding some of the most personal decisions we make about our lives. When a person can discuss reproductive options with their doctor, knowing that all reproductive options are both on the table and will be their own decision, a sense of identity and self-control emerges. The RFA helps move bodily autonomy and control over personal life choices back where they belong, between a patient and their doctor.” Jasmine Winters, The Women’s Centers “As we continue to leverage our collective voices and resources towards expanding access to reproductive health rights, I would like to see NJ do the right thing. And not just for those who are healthy or may live in areas with ample health care access, but also for those who are a part of those marginalized communities. Everyone should be able to make their own health care decisions, and the Reproductive Freedom Act will ensure the freedom, respect, and personal decision-making of each patient.” Signees of Reproductive Freedom Act Support Letter
### Thrive NJ is a statewide coalition of organizations working collectively to promote sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice through policy change and advocacy. The Thrive NJ Abortion Access Subcommittee members include: ACLU-NJ All* Above All American Society for Emergency Contraception Blue Wave NJ Catholics for Choice Cherry Hill Women’s Center Children's Home Society of NJ League of Women Voters of New Jersey Make the Road NJ Youth Power Project MomsRising National Council of Jewish Women - Bergen Section National Council of Jewish Women - Essex Section National Institute for Reproductive Health National Organization for Women of New Jersey New Jersey Abortion Access Fund New Jersey Policy Perspective Planned Parenthood Action Fund of NJ Reproductive Health Access Project (RHAP) - NJ Cluster Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (S.O.F.I.A.) Stanton Strong Unitarian Universalist Faith Action of NJ YWCA Northern New Jersey healingSPACE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2021
New Jerseyans Need The Reproductive Freedom Act Now Advocates across the state call on lawmakers to pass the bill expediently to ensure rights, equity, and access Thrive NJ, a coalition of advocates across the state, calls on lawmakers to pass the Reproductive Freedom Act (S3030/A4848). An increasingly hostile Supreme Court threatens to strip not only financial and logistic access to comprehensive essential reproductive health care, including birth control and abortion, but the legal rights themselves. New Jersey must act quickly and decisively to continue its leadership as a champion of these rights and access to reproductive health care. People and communities must be empowered to make decisions about their essential health care without interference from politicians, and without economic and logistical obstacles. It has been one year since Governor Murphy declared in his 2020 State of the State address that New Jersey must protect the ”fundamental and constitutional right to full reproductive freedom.” At the 2021 State of the State address today, Governor Murphy once again reiterated his commitment - “No matter what happens in Washington, we are working to protect a woman’s full reproductive rights as a matter of state law.” To achieve this goal, the Reproductive Freedom Act was introduced in October. Since then, the federal outlook has only gotten bleaker with the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. Before the Supreme Court eviscerates Roe v. Wade, New Jersey must take the steps necessary to guarantee reproductive rights. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted existing healthcare disparities, created and perpetuated by structural racism. Low-income communities, communities of color, and immigrant communities (many of which overlap) are disproportionately impacted. Loss of income and health insurance conspire to push time-sensitive care like abortion entirely out of reach. These obstacles and crises create an urgent need for immediate action to not only protect reproductive rights, but ensure equitable access. Forward-thinking policy like the Reproductive Freedom Act will demonstrate that New Jersey is committed to reproductive health care for all. “In the Reproductive Justice movement, we recognize that the social reality of inequity — issues of economic justice, the environment, immigrants' rights, disability rights, discrimination based on race and sexual orientation, and a host of other community-centered concerns — cannot be separated from an individual’s health care decision-making process,” said Anjali Mehrotra, President, National Organization for Women of New Jersey. “Progress is fragile and the events of the past week at the nation’s capital have further demonstrated the vulnerabilities of our institutions at the federal level. The Reproductive Freedom Act is an important step towards delivering equitable reproductive health care for all New Jerseyans.” "As an organization, we have been working on behalf of women, children and families for more than 100 years,” said Phoebe Pollinger, Chair of the Reproductive Rights Committee of the Essex County section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). “Our efforts on behalf of social justice are well-reflected in the Reproductive Freedom Act which provides for equal access to the full array of reproductive healthcare and ensures bodily autonomy and personal decision making free from barriers, fear or interference. NCJW/Essex proudly supports the passage of the RFA." “With abortion rights at risk across the country, the legislature has the opportunity to pass a comprehensive reproductive health bill, which guarantees reproductive health services will be available and affordable to individuals that need them,” said Marcia Marley of BlueWaveNJ. “This access is needed now. By passing this important legislation, NJ will ensure equitable access to the full range of services that are essential for women's economic equality, well-being and health.” “We at UU FaithAction NJ are proud to stand in a long line of religious individuals and groups who across generations and faiths support initiatives like the Reproductive Freedom Act,” said Rev. Rob Gregson, Executive Director, Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ. “We call for the RFA to be debated and then passed into law swiftly in New Jersey, ensuring that the fundamental right to decide for oneself and one's family the most intimate and delicate decisions about health, dignity and one's own body remain the prerogative of each New Jerseyan--not shackled by a philosophy foreign to one's own conscience.” We call upon our leaders in the State Senate and Assembly to join the Governor and take a stand against these injustices by advancing the Reproductive Freedom Act. The first step is hearing the bill in committee, which they must do in a timely manner. We must ensure important reproductive health-care protections for all New Jerseyans, especially those in marginalized communities and those that have borne the brunt of the pandemic. We call on our representatives to recognize the urgency of need, and commit to enacting the Reproductive Freedom Act expediently. ### Media Contact: Anjali Mehrotra | president@nownj.org | 908-456-8081 Benjamin Glaser | benjamin.glaser@ppgnnj.org | 201-396-1149
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by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle Published on NorthJersey.com For nearly half a century, women in the United States have had a constitutional right to access safe and legal abortion services. And since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, opponents of reproductive rights have been relentless in their attempts to take away our rights.
The fate of reproductive freedom has long been at the mercy of the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, with the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett, the balance has shifted. The balance of the Supreme Court, whose ideological makeup and beliefs do not reflect those of most Americans, presents a significant threat to the basic freedom that gives all of us the fundamental choice of deciding when and whether to have a family, and guarantees us personal control over their bodies and our futures. These rights are and will be under siege in a barrage of court cases, and fear that these freedoms and the right to reproductive healthcare protections enshrined by the U.S. Supreme Court nearly a half-century ago could be lost. Under the belief and conviction that every New Jerseyan should be able to make such choices freely and have access to the quality medical care they need to support their decision, we have introduced the Reproductive Freedom Act. As a state, New Jersey has a legacy of protecting reproductive freedoms. This bill will codify this tradition and ensure that everyone who needs essential health care — including birth control and pregnancy-related care, including abortion — is able to receive it. As politicians in other states race to take reproductive rights out of reach of their constituents, we are working to ensure that all New Jerseyans have access to the care that they need, no matter what. We understand that decisions around family planning and pregnancy are deeply personal. As legislators, we believe that these decisions should not be in the hands of politicians with no expertise on these issues but instead in consultation with a woman’s family, physician and faith. Often, individuals and groups that are opposed to safe, legal abortion spread misinformation, in the hopes of pushing access to these essential reproductive health services out of reach. These claims are simply untrue – they do not reflect the reality of abortion care. What we know, and what this bill supports, is that a person’s health and specific circumstances, not political interference, should guide important medical decisions throughout their pregnancy. We can all agree that everyone should be able to get care based on our unique needs and doctor’s best advice. And that’s what this bill does – it ensures that individuals in New Jersey can make their own personal health care decisions. This legislation is critical as opponents of reproductive rights and abortion rights continue their relentless attacks on these basic freedoms. Over the last five years, anti-abortion politicians have introduced nearly 500 bills to establish medically unnecessary abortion restrictions in states across the country, with more than two dozen laws enacted last year alone. Some of these laws have been especially punitive, forcing those in need of reproductive health care to travel hundreds of miles to receive services or placing undue restrictions on providers. Studies have showed that those states that have imposed restrictive abortion laws are those that leave large numbers of pregnant women without health care and tend to have higher rates of infant mortality. With the ascension of Justice Barrett, who has been openly hostile to reproductive rights, we simply can no longer rely on the courts to protect our societal right to safe, legal abortion care. Now, more than ever, we must stand up for access. As elected representatives, we have a responsibility to advocate on behalf of our constituents. We believe that these fundamental rights must be preserved for our residents, regardless of race, religion, geography, socioeconomic status or gender, including transgender and non-binary individuals. It is clear that those members of our communities who already face significant barriers to health care due to the systemic racism that persists in our nation’s institutions will be among those at greatest risk if this basic right is taken away. If the global coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that New Jersey families and neighborhoods are stronger, safer, and healthier when everyone has equal access to treatment and care. Now is the time to prioritize the health and well-being of our residents by ensuring that everyone who needs essential reproductive care can avail themselves to it without fear or undue burden. We must actively protect and respect the individual right to make medical decisions, especially personal choices about birth control and pregnancy. Further, the Reproductive Freedom Act will make New Jersey residents healthier by knocking down barriers to health care, especially in Black, Hispanic and immigrant communities who are bearing the brunt of this global pandemic. Our bill makes certain that financial barriers do not get in the way of exercising fundamental reproductive rights and removes medically unnecessary restrictions that serve to block access to care. We know that many members of our communities struggle to access affordable birth control and safe, legal abortion. This legislation aims to ensure that no one is left behind. Whether making the decision to have an abortion or deciding to have a child, all New Jerseyans should have access to the medical care they need. We must ensure that New Jersey unequivocally respects individual choices and supports families. But we need to act swiftly. New Jersey must prioritize the health and well-being of all people in our great state. We must protect and expand everyone’s ability to access reproductive health care. We are proud to sponsor the Reproductive Freedom Act and call upon our colleagues in the Legislature to join us in passing it now. State Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, serves as New Jersey Senate Majority Leader and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Bergen, serves as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
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No matter how much progress we have made as a nation in terms of expanding access to reproductive health care, it always seems like we’re one election or one Supreme Court justice nominee away from unraveling all of it. It’s time to put that fear aside in New Jersey and pass the Reproductive Freedom Act.
The Reproductive Freedom Act would codify existing state laws that ensure every individual has a fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception, choose whether to carry a pregnancy, and ensure that no public entity will interfere with an individual’s fundamental right to make their own decisions about reproductive health care. This legislation explicitly spells out protections for all New Jerseyans, including transgender and non-binary individuals. The decision about whether and when to become a parent is one of the most personal life decisions that someone can make. When someone makes the decision to have an abortion, we need to ensure that it is safe, affordable and free from punishment or judgment from our government. As we prepare for the frightening possibility of a far right-leaning United States Supreme Court, the Reproductive Freedom Act reinforces that the New Jersey Constitution protects the right to abortion and reproductive autonomy. Most importantly, it requires all insurance carriers operating in our state to provide coverage for these services. It has received support from a broad coalition, including the ACLU of New Jersey, National Institute for Reproductive Health, and many other national and statewide advocacy organizations and think tanks. When Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg died in September, it became clear that now more than ever, access to reproductive health is at risk in this country. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to send the message that New Jersey needs to lead the charge to protect affordable access to health care. This bill lets it be known: New Jersey stands for freedom, compassion, and healthy communities, and our state will continue to ensure that no matter what threats you hear at every election, New Jersey’s proven track record of supporting reproductive health will continue. Please ask your representatives to join me in supporting the Reproductive Freedom Act today. Annette Chaparro, a Democrat, represents the 33rd District in the New Jersey Assembly. The district covers all of Hoboken, Union City and Weehawken as well as portions of Jersey City.
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Reproductive Freedom Act Introduction10/2/2020 Reproductive Freedom Act Aims to Protect and Expand Health Care Access in New Jersey
Advocates from Across the State Call on Lawmakers to Pass Bill and Ensure Reproductive Health Care Access for All TRENTON, N.J. — As politicians in other states race to push reproductive health care out of reach, Governor Phil Murphy and legislative leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, are stepping up to protect reproductive freedom and remove barriers to access for all people who need care. During an announcement event today, the Governor announced that lawmakers will introduce the Reproductive Freedom Act, proactive legislation that will help protect and expand New Jerseyans’ ability to receive reproductive health care, such as birth control, and pregnancy-related care, including abortion. The Reproductive Freedom Act protects and expands access to essential reproductive health care services in three key ways: 1. The Reproductive Freedom Act explicitly ensures all New Jerseyans have the right to make their own personal health decisions when it comes to birth control and pregnancy-related care, including abortion. The decision about whether and when to become a parent is one of the most important life decisions we make. We need to trust all people who can become pregnant to make decisions about their own health and lives. 2. The Reproductive Freedom Act makes certain that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from making their own personal health decisions when it comes to birth control and pregnancy-related care, including abortion. Key provisions of the bill require private insurance coverage for birth control and abortion care with no out-of-pocket costs, to ensure that a person’s income or insurance status do not dictate their ability to access time-sensitive health care. 3. The Reproductive Freedom Act expands access to birth control and pregnancy-related care including abortion by breaking down medically-unnecessary restrictions that right now only serve to block access to care. It is time to secure a future that safeguards reproductive care, upholds basic rights and justice, and respects decision-making throughout pregnancy. In New Jersey, everyone should be able to receive the care they need and plan their families without barriers, fear, or interference from others. The current health crisis also makes clear how essential it is for everyone to be able to make their own medical decisions and get the health care they need with dignity and respect. Now is the time to pass the Reproductive Freedom Act and send a clear message: New Jersey is a state that stands for freedom, compassion, and healthy communities, and we will make sure that everyone can get the care they need, when they need it. “As access to health care and the right to choose are under attack at the federal level, we will support, defend, and protect reproductive rights here in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “The Reproductive Freedom Act will remove barriers to reproductive health, as well as expand access to contraception while reaffirming choice. Together, we stand unwavering in our commitment to work towards reproductive freedom for all New Jerseyans.” “Women have to stay vigilant in the fight to keep every single right we have earned - even the rights and protections that have been upheld for decades,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “A lot is at stake, but we are not new to this fight and we cannot stand by as our reproductive rights are chipped away - especially in our underserved communities. Today, I throw my full support behind the Reproductive Freedom Act because it will help protect and expand the laws that ensure everyone in our State has the ability to access preventative healthcare and make personal health care decisions.” “This legislation delivers on the promise of equitable access to reproductive healthcare for all New Jersey residents,” said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg. “I am proud to stand with Asw. Vainieri-Huttle and the Thrive Coalition in the fight for this essential right.” “New Jersey has always stood up for a woman's right to choose,” said Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle. “Unfortunately, for too many New Jerseyans, those legal rights do not translate into access, especially for young people, communities of color, low income communities, the LGBTQIA community and undocumented individuals. At a time where the fundamental right to access reproductive health care is being challenged across the country, I am proud that New Jersey is taking bold action to safeguard these rights and expand access for all.” “While other states are turning a blind eye and restricting access to reproductive rights, New Jersey is taking bold steps today to protect reproductive freedom and health equality for all women,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “As much as today is a declaration of our unyielding commitment to the women of our state, we also know it is another day in our ongoing fight to protect the progress we have made. And, no matter the obstacles, we will only move forward.” “The current health crisis has reinforced just how important it is to make sure everyone can get the care they need, including reproductive health care, no matter what,” said Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. “The Reproductive Freedom Act will ensure that everyone — including people of color, people in low income communities, immigrants, the uninsured and other marginalized groups — can make their own personal medical decisions with dignity.” “In this moment of profound urgency for our health and rights, the tireless dedication of independent abortion providers here in New Jersey models a path forward for us all,” said Roxanne Sutocky, Patient Advocate and Director of Community Engagement, Cherry Hill Women’s Center. “We have spent decades serving our communities, rising above seemingly insurmountable restrictions and barriers, and providing care, often to patients who have historically been and remain underserved — including people of color and those struggling financially. We’ve always known firsthand that a right is not a right when folks can’t reach care in their own communities. It’s past time for New Jersey to stand with providers, and protect and expand access to care.” “At a pivotal moment for our country, New Jersey has the opportunity to stand firm in the values of freedom and equity, and to act on urgent calls to confront systemic racial injustices, by passing the Reproductive Freedom Act,” said Sarah Fajardo, Policy Director of ACLU New Jersey. “The Reproductive Freedom Act expands and protects access to reproductive health care for all New Jerseyans regardless of income level, immigration status, or gender identity. We’re proud to join Gov. Murphy, Sen. Weinberg, Asw. Huttle, and our fellow advocates in advancing this landmark legislation ” “New Jersey has a strong record of advancing reproductive health care policy, but programs that serve low-income people, especially women of color, have chronically been vulnerable to funding cuts — a policy choice that exasperates health care gaps and disparities and upholds the systemic oppression of historically marginalized groups,” said Brandon McKoy, President of New Jersey Policy Perspective. “The Reproductive Freedom Act seeks to ensure that all people who can become pregnant, regardless of their circumstance, have control over their reproductive health decisions—and by extension their economic status—by removing unnecessary or outdated barriers to health care and providing adequate resources to advance racial equity.”
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Earlier today, the State Board of Medical Examiners voted in favor of a rule change to enhance access to reproductive care by repealing outdated restrictions. In response to this announcement, Thrive NJ releases the following statement.
Jasmine Winters, Coordinator, Thrive NJ Coalition: “We applaud the Board of Medical Examiners for taking action on outdated and harmful regulations to help ensure that everyone who needs abortion care is able to access it with dignity and respect. “These regulations treat abortion care differently from other medical procedures and restrict care by limiting who could provide abortion care and in what medical settings. They do nothing to protect patients. In fact, they hurt patients by creating barriers that are not medically indicated and ultimately interfere with time-sensitive care. “By removing medically unnecessary regulations, the BME lifts a significant barrier for patients seeking to end a pregnancy and providers wishing to provide abortion care. All New Jerseyans deserve seamless access to the care they need — especially if there is another surge of COVID cases as we head into the flu season. “As politicians in other states race to push reproductive care out of reach, it is more important than ever to safeguard comprehensive health care. Even in the midst of a public health crisis, the Trump-Pence administration continues to attack access to reproductive health care. Today's announcement sends a clear message: New Jersey is a state where everyone can receive the care they need and plan their families without barriers, fears, or interference from others. Because when people can make personal health decisions that are best for their lives, families and communities thrive.” # # # Thrive NJ is a statewide coalition of more than 60 organizations working collectively to promote sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice through policy change and advocacy. |
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