Celebrating Newly-Elected Reproductive Health Champions
There is no doubt that reproductive rights were on the ballot this year – indeed, across our three-county region, our voices were heard loud and clear: reproductive health care is a basic human right.
Poll after poll showed California voters overwhelmingly support access to abortion, and abortion motivated people to vote like never before. According to exit polling, abortion was the second most important issue in this election, just behind the economy. And in California, voters confirmed that attacks on abortion access do not represent the will of the people.
There has been no other time in recent decades where the work of providing, protecting, and expanding access to abortion has been more important. In California, where protections are stronger than ever, we’ll continue providing the compassionate and high quality health care that all people deserve.
Thank you for turning out to the polls, and fighting alongside us to ensure our communities remain places where all people can determine their own path toward a healthy and meaningful life.
To celebrate, welcome, and prepare newly-elected reproductive health and rights champions, our Public Affairs Team will be hosting a series of Reproductive Rights Legislative trainings with elected officials.
Redistricting
California voters have brand new districts they will use to elect their members of Congress and state legislators, after the state’s independent redistricting commission voted unanimously on December 20th to approve its final maps.
Organizers from Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest helped coalitions across our regions provide public comment in support of the redrawn maps. At the congressional level, redistricting could help shift the balance of power and have significant implications for our communities.
In 2021, it became easier for advocacy groups to submit their own maps, and to be responsive to mapping decisions in real time. Commissioners were able to reference the feedback they were getting
Despite a nearly six-month delay in the release of census data, the commission was ordered to submit the maps to the Secretary of State by December 27, 2022 .In the last few weeks, the panel held a number of marathon sessions late into the night to hear public comment and try to incorporate competing testimony into the maps.
At Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, we believe that neither race, geographic location, gender, or sexual orientation should restrict access to a healthy life. We are committed to ensuring that every person has access to the health care and representation they deserve.
Local jurisdictions are in the process of working with residents to design fair maps. Organizers in Riverside County led three redistricting trainings where volunteers learned about the redistricting process and how to take action to advocate for their communities interests. Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest staff worked collaboratively with community partners to create and submit maps which would secure accurate and fair representation.
If you would like to participate in the City of Riverside’s redistricting process, please email Leticia Cachu at [email protected].
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