Today, as young people navigate a pandemic, state violence while exercising their right to protest, and increased attacks on their bodily autonomy, the President has announced Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the highest court of the land. A nomination that the administration and their minions have sworn to do everything in their power to push through with under 40 days left until the Presidential election, a frightening speed that our democracy has never before seen. 

Breonna Taylor deserved to lead a full and healthy life. But she was murdered. While she slept, three men protected by the state broke into her house and murdered her. Today, government officials held a press conference to tell the world that her murder was justified. No one will be held accountable.

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a true hero and a tireless defender of the people,” said Debra Hauser, President, Advocates for Youth. “This is an indescribable loss to the Supreme Court and to our country.”

“Surely these Senators would be better off finding ways to help end the pandemic than to continue to harass and restrict providers and people who need abortion care. Medication abortion has been around for decades and is an important option for those who prefer it to in-clinic abortion. Young people are working to expand, not restrict, access to abortion care options, and Senators should get out of their way.”

This Congress has chosen to ignore what women of color have been saying for decades, and what the majority of national voters now agree with – however we feel about abortion, no one should be denied access to it just because they are struggling to make ends meet.

“Young people have the right to lead healthy lives, and planning if and when you wish to become a parent is a crucial part of that. And worrying about how to pay for their birth control is the last thing young people need right now,” said Rebecca Thimmesch, Free the Pill Campaign Manager.