Dear Common Ills, While mainstream media was describing the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday in the Texas abortion ban case as a “partial victory” for women’s right to abortion – our headline in Ms. was painfully blunt: Supreme Court Refuses to Block Texas Abortion Ban—Leaving Only Slow, Arduous and Uncertain Pathways to Ending the Ban. The truth is that in Texas – for the vast majority – abortion has been outlawed. And in a few short months, the Court is likely to rule in a case that will impact abortion access nationwide. You turn to Ms. in moments like this to tell you these hard truths. As we head into what is likely to be the most consequential year for abortion and women’s fundamental rights, I urge you to consider making a year-end tax-deductible contribution to keep Ms. on the frontlines. We need to raise $35,000 in emergency funds to support our reporting at this critical time, and to claim a challenge grant pledged by a long-time supporter who will give $10,000 if we meet our goals. That means the first $10,000 in contributions will be matched dollar for dollar. In the Texas case, although eight of the nine justices agreed that the abortion providers could continue to pursue their lawsuit to overturn the ban, a majority of the Court dismissed the most significant part of the providers’ case, prohibiting lawsuits against state court officials and the state attorney general who oversee enforcement of the law, ruling the providers could only sue state medical licensing boards. Such a lawsuit could take months if not years to resolve. Meanwhile, the threat of bounty-hunter lawsuits against anyone who helps someone obtain an abortion will continue to shutter the state’s abortion clinics and leave Texas women and girls with few options but to travel to clinics in other states – or at least those who have the means to do so. The Court’s decision has left little doubt how it will rule next year in the Mississippi 15-week abortion ban – a case that is a direct challenge to Roe and will determine abortion access, not just in Mississippi or Texas, but nationwide. This year saw a record number of draconian abortion restrictions introduced with at least 13 states passing new laws, including 8 bans that would go into effect immediately if the Court overturns Roe. You also turn to Ms. in moments like this to shed light on a path forward. This moment of crisis is also a moment of opportunity, and why the drive to secure the Equal Rights Amendment in the U.S. Constitution is so critical. The ERA would ensure that hard-fought gains we’ve made together could not be eliminated by state laws enacted by right-wing legislators. Ms. has been reporting on the fight for the ERA since our earliest days. And now that we are in the homestretch and victory is within sight, we know that our insightful analysis and reporting in the days ahead will be critical to winning this fight. If ever there was a time you needed Ms. to keep informed, inspired and empowered – it’s now. Please make your tax-deductible contribution today so that Ms. can remain fiercely on the frontlines bringing you the information and analysis you need to fight back. As we face this latest challenge to Roe, we’ll continue to keep you informed with feminist reporting and analysis – and strategies for moving forward. More than ever, we at Ms. are not giving up – and neither should you. For equality,  | Kathy Spillar
Executive Editor, Ms. | | |
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