SEATTLE (September 23, 2019) - A coalition of community groups and abortion rights defenders will gather in Westlake Park on October 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., to call for strengthened reproductive rights and to commemorate the first woman known to die after the Hyde Amendment barred federal funds from being used for abortions. On October 3, 1977, Rosie Jimenez, a Latina college student and single mother, died in McAllen, Texas, from complications of an unsafe abortion because she couldn't afford to pay the cost of a clinical procedure.

Numerous restrictions have greatly narrowed access to abortion. These include physician and hospital requirements, narrowing time limits based on fetal development, the ability of medical providers to refuse services on the basis of 'conscience,' mandatory counseling and waiting periods, and parental permission requirements. All these barriers pose major difficulties, especially for working, poor, and rural women, many of whom are people of color. Although Washington funds abortions for Medicaid patients, the number of clinics in the state has declined from 95 in 1982 to 19 today. As of 2017, 59% of Washington counties had no clinics that provided abortions, and 10% of Washington women lived in those counties (source: Guttmacher Instutitute). Clinics and patients are frequently targeted by opponents.

University of Washington student Ava Sharifi, an immigrant rights activist, says, 'Young people should not need to fear for their future family planning. Regardless of race, creed, or wealth, every person needs to be allowed options that will ensure the best life for themself and their family. We must fight for reproductive justice to ensure that the health and safety of future generations are not threatened in the name of playing politics.'

Rally organizers say their goal is 'to bring home the need for a strong movement that demands 'Our bodies! Our choice!' regardless of race, immigration status, age, or gender identification.' The event will feature speakers and cultural performances on a range of issues relating to reproductive justice. There will be information tables and a children's play area.

The Rosie Jimenez Day Rally for Reproductive Justice is co-sponsored by the Gender Justice League, Radical Women, Red Union, Seattle Clinic Defense, the Seattle DSA Queer and Feminist Caucus, and the Sex Workers Outreach Project - Seattle. Endorsers include Community & Labor Against Fascism, the Freedom Socialist Party, Juan Bocanegra, Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity, Rosie's Machinists 751, Seattle Revolutionary Socialists, and the Seattle Women's Commission.

The public is invited to attend, participate in the organizing, and donate to cover costs at http://bit.ly/rosiejimenezdonate. For additional information or to get involved, contact rwseattle@mindspring.com or call 206-722-6057. Facebook event: http://bit.ly/rosiejimenez

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Courtesy of Radical Women

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