FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2020

Media contacts:
NYAAF Communications Co-Managers
May Sifuentes
may@nyaaf.org

Jenna McDavid
jenna@nyaaf.org

Ashwin
ashwin@nyaaf.org

New York, NY—On October 26th, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court by the United States Senate in a highly partisan 52-48 vote. NYAAF joins in the collective outpouring of heartbreak and anger around this confirmation, which occurred just eight days before the 2020 election. To date, over 75 million Americans have already cast their ballots by mail or voted early at an in-person polling location. 

In her time as a judge and law professor, Justice Barrett has signaled her unwillingness to support the right of a person to seek an abortion, and her record as a judge demonstrates her desire to limit reproductive rights to the fullest extent possible. Furthermore, Justice Barrett has opposed the Affordable Care Act, defended the dissenters in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court ruling which made marriage equality the law of the land, and suggested that Title IX does not apply to transgender individuals. The lifetime appointment of Justice Barrett to the Supreme Court threatens our civil rights for a generation, and it does not reflect the will of the people.

As an abortion fund, we know that the basic legal right to an abortion is the floor, not the ceiling. Even with legal protections for abortion at the federal level, far too many people face insurmountable barriers to care. We are resolute in our commitment to building a world where all people have the resources they need to build the families they want and care for these families. Our strength comes from our commitment to each other and this vision — not the courts or the White House. Justice Barrett’s confirmation, and the stacking of local courts with anti-abortion judges, will make this work incredibly challenging but we will root ourselves in the power of our community and fight hard. 

While we may be feeling grief, anxiety, and rage around this confirmation, we do not feel hopeless. Abortion funds are uniquely primed for this moment. NYAAF needs your partnership to continue responding to callers’ needs during these changing times. Please advance abortion access by making a generous gift to NYAAF today. You can also deepen your relationship to abortion access work in New York by becoming a volunteer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2020

Media contacts:
NYAAF Communications Co-Managers
May Sifuentes
may@nyaaf.org

Jenna McDavid
jenna@nyaaf.org

Ashwin
ashwin@nyaaf.org

New York, NY—The New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) expresses its condolences to the family and loved ones of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away on September 18, 2020. Justice Ginsburg took an unwavering approach towards advancing reproductive freedom, civil rights, voter protections, immigration, and healthcare, among so many of the issues that are vital to our survival. Our community continues to mourn her passing. 

This week marked the beginning of Senate confirmation hearings to seat Judge Amy Coney Barrett in Justice Ginsburg’s Supreme Court vacancy. In her time as a judge and law professor, Judge Barrett has signaled her unwillingness to support the right of a person to seek an abortion, and her record as a judge demonstrates her desire to limit reproductive rights to the fullest extent possible. Furthermore, Judge Barrett has opposed the Affordable Care Act, which provides much-needed health care; has defended the dissenters in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court ruling which made marriage equality the law of the land; and has suggested that Title IX does not apply to transgender individuals. 

Although NYAAF is not affiliated with any candidate or political party, we believe that as early voting is already underway, it is unjust and hypocritical for the Senate to try to fill this seat while many have already begun casting their ballots. We urge NYAAF supporters to call their Senators TODAY to oppose the confirmation of Judge Barrett. Dial 202-224-3121 to be connected to the Capitol Switchboard. Urge your Senators to respect the will of the people and wait until after Election Day to nominate a new justice to the Supreme Court. This toolkit from Planned Parenthood Action Fund features talking points and other ways to connect with your elected officials.

No matter what happens in the months to come, abortion funds will continue to be an important resource. Abortion funds are uniquely primed for this moment and need your partnership to continue responding to callers’ needs during these changing times. You can advance abortion access by making a generous gift to NYAAF today. You can also deepen your relationship to abortion access work in New York by becoming a volunteer. 

The future of the Supreme Court and access to reproductive health care is uncertain, but NYAAF remains committed to protecting abortion access for all.