This week, as we begin a new chapter in our work to pursue equity and justice, we honor the life and legacy of Cecile Richards and mark important milestones in the fight for gender-based equality and reproductive rights.
On Monday, Cecile Richards, the powerful former president of Planned Parenthood and a trailblazer in the work to defend reproductive freedom, passed away from a rare form of brain cancer. Our community has been inspired and touched by Cecile’s work over a period of decades, and we mourn the loss of her charisma, inspiration, and leadership. We know the best way to honor her legacy is by fearlessly continuing our work.
Today we also mark the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the third since Dobbs. It’s a lot to take in against the backdrop of the Trump inauguration and the continuing assault on reproductive rights and care across the country. Yet also, just on Friday, President Biden issued a declaration that the Equal Rights Amendment has met the requirements of ratification and therefore is now part of the Constitution. This action invites legal challenges to restrictions on reproductive freedom, and we congratulate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand for her tireless efforts to advocate for the ERA until the very last minute.
As we look ahead, we know so much of this work will take place in the states. Our commitment to supporting women running for governor and state legislatures will become more important than ever, with critical races in 2025 and 2026. With a tough Senate map in 2026 and few opportunities for women, we encourage groups to host the many qualified women running for governor this cycle. Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her campaign for governor of Michigan, and we expect many more announcements to come in the following weeks.
Moments like these are when being in community matters the most. Please save the following dates for upcoming opportunities to come together (both in-person and via Zoom):
- Feb. 13, 2025, 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET: EWA National Zoom; guest speaker TBA. RSVP here.
- Oct. 22-23, 2025: EWA National Convening in Washington, DC, including canvassing opportunities in Virginia to support Abigail Spanberger and competitive local races;
Over the next four years, this work may take on shapes and directions we don’t expect. But our resistance matters and we can’t do it alone. As we mark these milestones and honor Cecile Richards, now is the time to renew your membership to your local EWA group or found a new group in your city. Cecile said it best: “When we are in full-on sisterhood, women are the most powerful political force in America.”