Dear Common Ills, When Ms. started in 1972, abortion was illegal. In our very first issue, 53 prominent women signed their names to a public manifesto declaring that they had had illegal abortions and calling for a repeal of all laws that limited a woman’s right to abortion. 
And in 1973, just 3 months after the Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that state laws restricting early abortion were unconstitutional, Ms. published the coroner’s photograph of a woman who police found dead in a “bloody and barren motel room,” a victim of a criminal abortion. We wanted the country to never forget the women who were maimed and killed by laws that denied them safe abortions. Year in and year out, our readers have counted on Ms.’s powerful reporting and analysis of the battles over abortion. And now, as we face the most consequential challenge to our fundamental right to abortion, we need to know we have your support. Ms. is keeping you up to date on every development in the latest and most aggressive attempt in Texas to deny women their constitutional right to exercise control over their lives. And on December 1, Ms. will be there when the state of Mississippi argues in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case before the Supreme Court that the Justices should ignore nearly 50 years of precedent and overturn Roe. So that you can keep up with every critical development, I’m asking you to join our dedicated group of monthly sustainers at whatever level you choose. Ms. Sustaining Members receive print and digital access to every issue of the magazine, discounts and early access to live and virtual community events, our daily and weekly newsletters and action alerts. And we'll thank you by printing your name in our annual anniversary issue each Fall. Please make your first monthly gift now. With the support of dedicated monthly sustainers like you, Ms. can remain fiercely independent and on the frontlines. Remember, Ms. is sustained by readers and supporters – not by advertisers. And because Ms. doesn’t take commercial ads, you never have to worry that we will shy away from telling it like it is. Your sustaining contribution is tax-deductible and ensures Ms. can continue to meet the challenges of these times. Please take a moment now to sign up as a monthly sustainer – so we can move forward stronger than ever. Thank you and thank you for your continuing support. For equality,  | Kathy Spillar
Executive Editor, Ms. | | |
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