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Hello! I hope that you had a good weekend and stayed cool and safe.

New Orleans is experiencing an extreme gun violence epidemic, and the mass murder at a 4th of July parade in Chicago was yet another reminder that there are too many guns in the U.S. I will be working hard in the next legislative session to bring more gun safety reforms to Louisiana. I'm encouraged by the new federal gun safety law signed by the President:

I will be hosting a Q&A this coming Monday, July 11, from 7-8pm on the Roe decision and the Louisiana litigation. I will take as many questions as I can.  Sign up here, and I'll be posting to social media as well.

This email will include some updates and information on this post Roe world, along with other suggestions on how to learn more and get involved.

Take care of yourself!

Mandie

I took a breather to address Roe media and concerns, but we are now back on track for our successful sprint towards the state senate. A reminder as to why I'm running: there are no pro choice women in the Louisiana state senate. It is more critical now than ever to have a strong, effective advocate for reproductive rights, women, and the LGBTQ community in the Louisiana senate. Our state is ground zero for these kinds of attacks, and it's critical we have fighters in our legislature.

I hope that you will seriously consider contributing to my senate campaign. I wish that a campaign could run for free, and that we could donate all of the money raised to those in need. The vast majority of funds that I raise are used for voter outreach, which is the key to a successful campaign. The max donation for this race is $2500 per person, and all amounts are greatly appreciated.

We will be contacting volunteers shortly to knock on doors. If you are interested, sign up here. You can also sign up at the link if you are interested in phonebanking or are just curious about what volunteer activities may be requested.

As of today, all three abortion clinics in Louisiana are open and seeing patients, and the Louisiana lawsuit is still moving forward. Last Monday, my former colleague Ellie Schilling was successful in her request for a temporary restraining order, which halted enforcement of Louisiana's trigger bans (yes plural). Thanks to Judge Giarrusso in Orleans Civil District Court for her wisdom. The suit argues that Louisiana's trigger bans are vague and inconsistent, which violates the due process guarantees of the clinics, clinic administrator, and physicians who provide abortions. Here is further discussion from the day of the decision, and you can always review prior media on this issue at my news link.

(PS I have several videos on instagram that discuss trigger bans, what is legal personhood, emergency contraception, how to get an abortion if you live in a red state, and a discussion of the TRO granted in Louisiana and what that means.)

There is a hearing this Friday, July 8, to determine if a permanent injunction will be granted.  This would stop any of the trigger bans from being enforced and keep the three clinics open. If the injunction is granted, my personal opinion is that the legislature will call itself into a special session in order to pass a new trigger ban. That could happen in a matter of days after the court decision. Of course, this is all unknown at this time.

A reminder also that the current trigger bans do not have an exception for rape and incest, which is truly shameful. Forcing a child to have a child is abhorrent. I do think that there is a possibility of adding this exception over the next year.

What can I do? I've received this question from so many of you. I am so glad that you want to help your community! But, let's (1) be realistic about what we can do, (2) let people tell US what THEY need, (3) be SAFE! and (4) be respectful.

- Driving: I do not suggest driving someone to another state for an abortion or hosting them in your home. We do not yet know all the legal ramifications of the Roe decision, and it may not be understanding or respectful of the person's privacy (unless of course this is someone who asks for your assistance).

- If you need an abortion: The three Louisiana clinics are now open; however, we do not know how long that will last. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you will likely need to go out of state. You can currently still go to Florid for abortion care; there is a clinic in Pensacola.

- Emergency contraception: If you are of reproductive age, make sure you have emergency contraception or know how to access it. There is no more easy access to abortion. You can buy emergency contraception at a drugstore or get it free from many orgs, including Plan B Nola and Planned Parenthood. Please do not stockpile - it prevents others from obtaining it, and has a shelf life. If you are over 155 pounds you should contact a physician about taking the proper type and dosage of EC, which is likely Ella. If you are over 195 pounds, please speak to a physician.

- Birth control: Make sure that you have birth control if you need it, and that you use it properly. You can get birth control (hormonal, IUDs, etc.) from Planned Parenthood or your own physician. 

- Privacy issues: There is so much information floating around about how to protect your privacy online. Just like I'd tell you with medical decisions: listen to doctors, and listen to privacy experts. Be careful about what you see online. And also, please weigh privacy concerns for period trackers with your need to keep careful watch of your period. You need to be more aware now than ever of your cycle.

- Abortion funds are still assisting patients; however, they are also reviewing the law and their policies to ensure that they can continue to be effective. Please be patient, but continue to support them. National Network of Abortion Funds and the National Abortion Federation are good resources as well.

- Local diaper banks always need help, especially now post covid. We collected so many diapers last week for the Net school in Gentilly. Rep. Aimee Freeman is hosting a diaper drive, now that her Pink Tax legislation has gone into effect (no more taxes on diapers and period products!).

- Mutual aid funds and orgs always need assistance. This is a great way to directly assist your community.

- The ACLU, Lift Louisiana, and other local and national groups are preparing teams of pro bono attorneys, particularly for people seeking an abortion or who may be criminalized for having one. More info to come on those programs. If/when/how has a repro legal helpline and also has a repro legal defense fund. NACDL is building a program. National Advocates for Pregnant Women has a ton of information and resources.