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.

###

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

National Women’s Law Center

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

SisterSong

SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW!, Inc.

UltraViolet

We Testify

Whole Woman’s Health

Whole Woman’s Health Alliance