News

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, allowing states to deny access to safe and legal abortion. With this ruling, states will have more authority to set harmful and restrictive abortion policies. As D.C. residents continue the fight for statehood, the decision will uniquely impact Washingtonians seeking safe abortion access. 

Demi Stratmon, Lead Organizer for 51 for 51, shared the following statement: 

“Washington D.C. provides the highest rates of abortion care in our country despite having the least legislative autonomy, making today’s decision especially dangerous for the 700,000 mostly Black and Brown residents of D.C. 

The residents of D.C. need allies across the country to understand that reproductive rights are fundamentally a D.C. statehood issue. Washingtonians don’t have the power to fight back in the same manner as other states. 

Because D.C. residents’ voices were excluded in the democratic process of confirming Supreme Court Justices, the Court is inherently rigged against Washingtonians who rely on abortion as a form of health care. With this ruling, it is all the more clear how the Court continues the pattern of silencing us in decisions about our health and our futures. 

Until statehood is granted, this harm will continue. We must keep fighting for equal representation and governing authority for Washingtonians, otherwise safe and affordable abortion care for thousands of Black and Brown residents will remain at risk.”

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51 for 51 is a coalition of D.C.-based and national groups committed to equal representation for the over 700,000 D.C. residents who remain locked out of our democracy. The coalition of 20 progressive groups believe American citizens living in the District deserve a voice in Congress and control over their own local laws. Already, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Senators Warren, Markey, Gillibrand and Hickenlooper have endorsed 51 for 51’s proposed path to statehood.