Friday, August 12 - Codify Abortion Rights / Air Passengers’ Rights
Actions You Can Take Today
Action 1: Tell Senators to codify abortion rights
Senator Duckworth | DC: 202-224-2854 | Chicago 312-886-3506 | Email Sen. Duckworth or call another office
Senator Durbin | DC: 202-224-2152 | Chicago 312-353-4952 | Email Sen. Durbin or call another office
Action 2: Public comment on new protections for airline passengers
Action 1: Tell Senators to Codify Abortion Rights
The Supreme Court has flouted 50 years of legal precedent and ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision protecting abortion access for pregnant people at the federal level.
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, states now have the authority to restrict abortion. Thirteen states already have “trigger laws” which take effect with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, making abortion illegal. Many other states have laws that restrict abortion, such as six week bans, which can now be freely implemented. Other states are expected to follow suit, with at least half of states expected to ban or severely restrict abortion access in the coming months.
Codifying abortion access through federal legislation is one of our last options to protect pregnant people. The House recently passed the Women’s Health Protection Act, H.R. 8296, which creates legal protections for both abortion providers and abortion care patients at the federal level. The bill safeguards access to abortion nationwide by preventing restrictions such as six-week bans, mandatory delay periods, biased anti-choice abortion counseling, and medically unnecessary ultrasounds.
It is now time for the Senate to act. The Senate does not have the 60 vote filibuster-proof threshold needed to pass H.R. 8296 under current Senate rules, but filibuster rules can easily be changed with a simple majority vote. The Democratic Senate majority must pass a filibuster exception to allow for a vote on abortion access. With this filibuster carve-out, H.R. 8296 can pass through the Senate and reach President Biden’s desk.
Nobody should face forced birth. The rights to privacy and bodily autonomy are fundamental in a free and fair society. Demand your Senators support and immediately pass H.R. 8296.
Senator Duckworth | DC: 202-224-2854 | Chicago 312-886-3506 | Email Sen. Duckworth or call another office
Senator Durbin | DC: 202-224-2152 | Chicago 312-353-4952 | Email Sen. Durbin or call another office
Script: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [ZIP CODE] with Indivisible Chicago. I'm calling today because I’m outraged by the Supreme Court’s decision to ignore settled law and overturn Roe v. Wade. I demand Senator Richard Durbin support a filibuster carve-out for abortion access and pass H.R. 8296, Women’s Health Protection Act. The Senate must act swiftly to ensure pregnant people have continued access to abortion healthcare.
Action via 5calls.org
Action 2: Public Comment for Airline Passenger Protections
Some major new traveler protections were just proposed by the US Department of Transportation, brought to you by Pete Buttigegeg:
Passengers are eligible for cash refunds when their flight is delayed by 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international). It doesn't matter if the ticket was "non-refundable" or if the delay was outside the airline's control
Require airlines to give non-expiring vouchers for passengers who can't travel due to the pandemic. This includes: if you get sick, if there's a stay-at-home order, if borders close or entry restrictions change (even if the flight still operates). Airlines who receive "significant governmental financial assistance" must provide refunds rather than non-expiring vouchers for travelers.
These are two huge boosts for air travelers' rights. It ensures that when there's a significant delay, your right to a refund doesn't change depending on what airline you are flying. It also ensures you don't have to choose between your health (and others' health!) and your flight cost.
The proposed rules are now open for public comment for 90 days before getting finalized. Share your comment in support today!
If enacted, this would be the biggest expansion of travelers' rights in decades.
Action via Scott Keyes
While some of these Daily Actions come from our own work as Indivisible Chicago Alliance, others are from our many partners working to advance the progressive agenda. We invite you to join us in supporting their work. Postings from partners do not imply Indivisible Chicago Alliance endorsement of specific policies and positions.