Abortion justice, gun violence prevention, and changing rape culture: Your civic action to-do list for 3-30-21
3. Abortion is essential health care and should be a fundamental right for all, but discriminatory prohibitions on insurance coverage of abortion limit reproductive autonomy for low-income people, young people, and women of color in particular.
In a nutshell: Last week, Congress introduced the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act, which would lift bans on abortion coverage and prevent interference in pregnant people's reproductive decisions based on how much they earn or how they are insured.
Take action: Urge your representative and senators to support the EACH Act!
2. 7 mass shootings in 7 days devastated communities across the country this month. As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also address the gun violence epidemic to truly achieve public health and safety for all.
In a nutshell: Enacting common-sense gun reforms and investing in violence reduction strategies are key to public health. Requiring background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and expanding funding for community-based violence prevention and intervention programs are essential steps.
Take action: Tell your elected officials to support the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, the Background Check Expansion Act, and the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021.
1. Consuming alcohol neither causes nor excuses rape. Our systems must hold rapists accountable for their actions and support survivors rather than continue victim-blaming.
In a nutshell: The Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously ruled last week that a man could not be found guilty of rape because his victim voluntarily got drunk beforehand. This ruling underscores how "intoxication loopholes" in state law exonerate rapists and perpetuate misogyny.
Take action: 40 states only treat intoxication as a barrier to consent if victims are drunk against their will. Connect and advocate with your local sexual violence resource centers to change state laws to ensure all survivors of sexual assault are able to seek justice.
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