REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE

The fight for reproductive justice extends far beyond North Carolina, with pivotal court cases in neighboring states that have shaped access to essential health care. In North Carolina, rulings like the partial block of Senate Bill 20 show how judicial decisions can impact our rights, but it’s crucial to look at the broader landscape. States like Kansas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, and Alabama have faced intense legal battles over reproductive rights, emphasizing the critical role of state Supreme Courts.

These cases highlight the power residents have in electing judges who can either protect or restrict reproductive freedoms. Understanding these legal battles in other states underscores the importance of participating in judicial elections here in North Carolina. By voting for judges who align with our values, we can ensure that all NCians have access to the care they need, safeguarding our freedoms and preventing the erosion of reproductive rights.

Reproductive Justice in North Carolina:

While North Carolina’s reproductive justice battles have largely played out in federal courts, these cases underscore the vital role our judiciary plays in shaping access to essential health care. Although originating in NC, these cases reflect the broader national fight for reproductive rights and the significant impact judicial decisions can have.

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic v. Stein

Status: Ongoing
Last Update: June 21, 2023

Although a federal case, this case arose in response to Senate Bill 20, which restricted abortion access after 12 weeks. The bill imposed harsh limitations, including requiring abortions after 12 weeks to be performed in hospitals, which the court blocked, recognizing the lack of medical justification. This ruling highlights how crucial it is to have judges who protect reproductive rights. Had our judiciary fully reflected NC's values from the start, these harmful restrictions might never have been implemented.

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Planned Parenthood South Atlantic et al v. Moore et al

Status: Ongoing
Last Update: August 8, 2022

This federal case was brought by abortion providers and the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, challenging a series of restrictive abortion laws in North Carolina. These laws included biased counseling, mandatory delays, and a ban on telehealth for medication abortion. The case argued that these restrictions disproportionately affected Black and rural communities. A more aligned judiciary could have prevented these discriminatory laws from taking hold, ensuring equitable access to reproductive care across the state.

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Peltier v. Charter Day School

Status: Closed
Last Update: August 9, 2021

Although this is a federal case based in North Carolina about gender discrimination in dress codes, it also touches on broader issues of bodily autonomy and the right to challenge oppressive policies. The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling that struck down the school's "skirts-only" policy for girls, which was based on outdated and sexist stereotypes. The outcome of this case reinforces the need for judges who will uphold equal rights and reject policies that discriminate based on gender.

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Lessons from Our Neighbors:
Reproductive Justice Battles

As we look beyond North Carolina, the experiences of our neighbors provide crucial lessons on the power of judicial elections in shaping reproductive justice. States like Kansas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, and Alabama have seen their Supreme Courts make decisions that either protect or restrict access to reproductive health care. These cases demonstrate how vital it is for voters to elect judges who align with their values. By learning from these states, North Carolinians can better understand the importance of judicial elections in safeguarding our reproductive rights.

PA Supreme Court Expands Reproductive Rights:
Medicaid Coverage for Abortions Secured

In Pennsylvania, the state Supreme Court recently ruled to allow Medicaid payments for abortions, marking a significant victory for reproductive rights advocates. This decision ensures that low-income individuals can access abortion services through Medicaid, expanding access to essential reproductive care. The ruling underscores the power of judicial decisions in protecting reproductive rights and highlights the importance of electing judges who support reproductive justice. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the role that state courts play in shaping access to health care.

Kansas Supreme Court Upholds Abortion Rights:
Landmark Ruling Protects Reproductive Freedom

In a landmark decision, the Kansas Supreme Court reaffirmed the right to abortion under the state constitution, striking down a law that banned the most common abortion method after 14-15 weeks. The court ruled that the ban was unconstitutional, emphasizing that reproductive rights are fundamental and must be protected.

Alabama Supreme Court Ruling Threatens IVF Treatments:
A New Frontier in Reproductive Rights

In Alabama, the state Supreme Court issued a ruling that could drastically affect reproductive rights by recognizing frozen embryos as "children." This decision poses a significant threat to in vitro fertilization treatments, potentially criminalizing the destruction of embryos and limiting the options available to individuals and couples seeking fertility assistance. The ruling exemplifies how judicial interpretations can severely restrict reproductive choices and underscores the importance of electing judges who understand and protect reproductive autonomy.

Michigan Secures Abortion Rights:
State Constitution Protects Reproductive Freedom

In Michigan, the battle for reproductive rights culminated in a historic victory when voters approved a state constitutional amendment in 2022, explicitly protecting the right to abortion. This amendment came in response to the threat of losing abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The Michigan Supreme Court upheld the amendment, ensuring that abortion remains a protected right within the state. This victory highlights the power of voters and the judiciary in safeguarding reproductive justice, offering a critical lesson for other states where similar protections are not yet secured. This case demonstrates how a proactive approach in both judicial and electoral arenas can effectively preserve reproductive rights against shifting national landscapes.

Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban:
Supreme Court Allows Restrictions, But Voters to Decide in Upcoming 2024 Primary Elections

In Florida, the state Supreme Court allowed a restrictive six-week abortion ban to take effect, significantly limiting access to reproductive care. However, this decision isn't final—the ban will be on the ballot in the upcoming 2024 Primary Elections, giving Florida residents the chance to overturn the restriction by taking power in electing their Supreme Court and Governor. This highlights the power of the electorate and the judiciary in determining reproductive rights, making voter participation in judicial elections crucial for those who want to protect or change the current laws.

These cases remind us that judicial elections are crucial. The judges we elect have the power to protect or restrict our rights. Your vote in judicial elections can prevent future injustices. Stay informed, vote down-ballot, and ensure our judges reflect North Carolina’s values.

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For more information on Reproductive Justice work in North Carolina, be sure to visit

Pro-Choice North Carolina

They are dedicated to advocating for reproductive rights and ensuring access to essential health care across the state. Check out their site to learn more and find out how you can get involved.

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REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE