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KRCRC defines the public advocacy of reproductive rights as its central purpose.
We work in many political arenas. We maintain contact with our legislators all through the year. During the legislative session, we inform our grassroots network about proposed laws on matters related to reproduction and encourage them to communicate with their representatives. By transporting pro-choice advocates to Frankfort, joining with allied organizations in demonstrations, and individual lobbying, we remind legislators that support for reproductive rights in Kentucky is deep and broad. Representatives of KRCRC also work to influence local government, for example by speaking at the hearings held by the Public Safety Committee of the Louisville Metro Council that helped to create a buffer zone in front of the EMW Clinic. Members of our board also participate in the fight for universal healthcare, Louisville Sex Education Now, and as clinic escorts at the EMW Clinic. Sometimes our advocacy takes the form of organizing public rallies. Twice in 2017 we rallied, in collaboration with sister organizations, in support of EMW Women's Surgical Center. In 2021 we demonstrated outside the Seelbach Hotel where Justice Amy Coney Barrett was speaking. This spring we joined allies in Frankfort to protest the passage of an omnibus abortion law. Lobbying KRCRC collaborates with the American Civil Liberties Union/Reproductive Health Project, League of Women Voters, National Council of Jewish Women and other organizations to lobby Kentucky legislators regarding issues concerning reproductive health and choice. The entire KRCRC community can be mobilized to send e-mails, letters and telephone calls to legislators when needed. Every February we join with ACLU and Planned Parenthood to lobby and rally on Reproductive Rights Lobby Day in the Capitol Rotunda. Escorting At the EMW Women's Surgical Clinic in Louisville, anti-choice protesters harass incoming patients. No patient should have to walk through their cruel gauntlet alone. Volunteer clinic escorts are there every morning (Tuesdays through Saturdays, the clinic's open days) to walk with these patients past this gauntlet. If you are interested in becoming a clinic escort, visit everysaturdaymorning.net for information, and email your interest to [email protected]. Roe v. Wade Annual Commemoration Every January, KRCRC sponsors an annual commemoration to mark another year of safe and legal reproductive services due to the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. Year by year, the event takes different forms: sometimes a vigil, sometimes a relevant movie or discussion panel, sometimes a reproductive justice fair. This event is attended by people throughout the state who are invested in preserving safe, legal and comprehensive reproductive services for women. |
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