Reauthorize VAWA, defeat plastic guns, and stop the health care gag rule: Civic action to-do list for 7-30-18

3. Reauthorize VAWA

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is our nation’s single most effective tool in responding to the devastating crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. JWI stood alongside Leader Pelosi and Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee, Steny Hoyer and Jerrold Nadler, as the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2018 (H.R. 6545) was introduced at a press conference last Wednesday, July 25th. This bill responds to the urgent needs of tens of thousands of victims of sexual and domestic violence by strengthening their access to housing, ensuring that abusers cannot access guns, closing loopholes to allow tribal courts to prosecute non-native offenders, and increasing funding for rape prevention education. Violence against women is not a partisan issue: Join JWI in calling for every member of the House of Representatives to co-sponsor this life-saving bill!

2. Defeat Printable Plastic Guns

Individuals who are unable to legally purchase firearms should not be able to circumvent the law by making plastic 3D-printed guns in their homes, yet that is exactly what will happen on Wednesday when gun blueprints are published. This information will allow anyone to create untraceable guns - even terrorists, convicted felons, and domestic abusers. Call your Senators and Representative and tell them to pass a law immediately to make this illegal!

1. Stop the Health Care Gag Rule

No woman should be denied complete information in a healthcare setting, but access to this information will be restricted if a proposed rule by the Department of Health and Human Services is enacted. A domestic “gag” rule would force health clinics to decide between providing lifesaving preventative care such as cancer screenings and mammograms, and providing accurate information about all pregnancy options, including abortion. We cannot ask women OR their health facilities to make that choice! Add your voice to oppose the gag rule - click here to submit a comment and use this template to get started! All comments must be submitted by tomorrow, July 31!