Mainers volunteer for reproductive rights movement in record numbers ahead of November election 
 

(Portland, MAINE) – With less than two weeks before the Nov. 8 election, Mainers are volunteering in record numbers to help protect reproductive rights and freedoms. In the four months since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned federal protections for abortion, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund (PPMEAF) reports nearly 20 percent more people have volunteered than did during the entire year prior.

Polling continues to show that voters rank abortion and reproductive rights as a top concern, and the volunteer numbers follow that sentiment. A candidate’s position on legal abortion is directly tied to their favorability rating and whether a voter trusts the candidate to look out for their best interests. 

By the numbers 

• At least 500 people have volunteered with Planned Parenthood in Maine since the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.  
• Those volunteers have:
  • Knocked on at least 8,000 doors
  • Mailed nearly 1,000 personal letters to voters
  • Engaged in one-on-one deep canvassing conversations with 350 Mainers about abortion and why they support the right to abortion 
• Today, more than 100,000 voters in Maine identify as supporters of Planned Parenthood, and 7,000 of those supporters have taken action to protect reproductive rights this election cycle by attending rallies, writing letters, and knocking on doors.
• PPMEAF has contacted more than 200,000 voters through direct mail and phone calls. 
• PPMEAF has launched digital ad campaigns including this one that highlight what’s at stake in the Nov. 8 election.

Statement from Nicole Clegg, Senior VP of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund:

“People are deeply concerned about the future of reproductive rights and freedoms in Maine, and these numbers are evidence of that. Mainers of all ages and backgrounds are showing up to events, volunteering their time, and speaking out about their own experiences with abortion.  

The simple reality is that 1 in 4 women will have an abortion at some point in the lifetime, and they are our mothers, daughters and spouses. They are our friends, neighbors and coworkers. They sit next to us at the local high school football game, stand next to us in line at the grocery store and join us in our church pews. Abortion is an issue that touches everyone, and it’s time politicians understand that reality. 

With federal protections for abortion now gone, the people we choose to represent us in Augusta will — for the first time in nearly 50 years — decide the fate of reproductive healthcare and freedoms in Maine. Candidates for office understand what’s at stake; it’s why some are quick to stand up and speak their values and others are running as fast as they can away from their votes, statements, and prior actions. Mainers will have the voices heard Nov. 8 and candidates would do well to listen to their would-be constituents.” 

### ​​​​​​​

The Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund Political Action Committee promotes and preserves a health care landscape and a political climate favorable to women’s health by working to identify and elect supportive candidates seeking executive and legislative offices. The PPMEAF PAC is operated by the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund, an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in Maine. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.