Advocates for Youth mourns the passing of Representative Elijah E. Cummings, Maryland Congressman and long time champion of young people’s reproductive and sexual health and rights. Throughout his career, Rep. Cummings spoke out for sex education, contraceptive access, and the right to safe and legal abortion.
From October 14th, 2019 through October 18th, 2019, as a part of the October Domestic Violence Awareness month, reproductive health, rights, and justice advocates, and other social justice allies, will be launching a Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Week of Solidarity Campaign highlighting survivors from communities most often overlooked, as well as highlight/lift up the connection between IPV and Reproductive Justice. how IPV is connected to reproductive justice.
"At 17 I was forced to travel across state lines to authorize my abortion service without a parent’s involvement. At this age, I felt I was mature enough to make an informed decision about my body and my future. I refused to go before a judge to seek permission to get a procedure without a parents permission. I had no other choice but to raise the money to pay for a procedure out of pocket and on a greyhound bus travel to Illinois. The political climate, not my abortion, caused my trauma. Now I work as an advocate for women and migrants who need health care, to try to ease the trauma they experience.”
“I was in an abusive relationship when I found out I was pregnant. A protester on the sidewalk tried to take my picture, but a clinic volunteer shielded me with an umbrella. A photo of me walking into an abortion clinic could have put my life in danger. I am so grateful for the clinic volunteers who kept me safe and defended my right to privacy that day."
"When I hear about people speaking of late term or ‘partial birth’ abortions, it is beyond distressing. This was the most painful decision I have ever made, yet I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to make it. I am sharing this story so that other women who are faced with health-threatening situations do not have to feel shame for choosing their health and life."
"I am at peace with my decision to have had multiple abortions and to let that be a catalyst to live the life I’ve always wanted. I am strong. I am confident. I am everything I’ve ever wanted to be and have always been even when I didn’t believe in myself.”