On Dec. 1, Learn and Act to Protect Abortion Access

In partnership with I Be Black Girl, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Women’s Fund of Omaha, we're calling on supporters to use Dec. 1 as a day of learning and action to protect abortion access. Join us in demanding a future where reproductive justice is centered and abortion isn’t just legal, but also accessible, affordable and destigmatized.

First, a quick definition: Reproductive justice is a human rights framework coined by Black leaders nearly 30 years ago. It's also a value the partners on this day of learning and action share. SisterSong defines it as “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.” Reproductive justice includes the fundamental principle that all people should be able to make their own decisions free from systems of oppression. It’s about self-determination, dignity and safety. We must use our power to speak out for Nebraskans' right to access abortion care.

Jump to Section


Why Dec. 1?

  • That's the day the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case that directly challenges reproductive justice, access and rights.
  • As we enter December that also means we're just one month out from legislative session. When state senators return in early January, we're expecting a fight focused on Nebraskans' reproductive freedom. After all, local anti-choice organizations have said they will push state senators to introduce some kind of ban and Gov. Ricketts has expressed support for the extreme Texas ban that prohibits abortion care after six weeks, before many people even know they're pregnant.

Connect

Protecting access to abortion takes a community. Take time to connect with other people engaged in the work. 

Afternoon Livestream

Stream our virtual coffee talk conversation on Dec. 1 at 3 P.M., live on our ACLU Facebook and YouTube accounts. You'll hear from Senator Megan Hunt, Ashlei Spivey, founder and director of I Be Black Girl, Andi Curry Grubb, Nebraska executive director of Planned Parenthood North Central States and Scout Richters, ACLU of Nebraska legal and policy counsel, in a conversation about reproductive justice and the importance of preserving access to abortion in Nebraska.

Support Local Businesses, Grab Free Postcards and Swag

Nebraska businesses are joining us in this day of learning and action. Stop by any of these locations during the hours listed to grab a postcard for writing to your senator, a poster and even a limited print t-shirt (available at only some locations while supplies last).

  • Best Burger (Omaha), Wed. 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Tiny House Bar (Omaha), Wed. 4 PM to Midnight 
  • Pageturners Lounge (Omaha), Wed. 4 PM to Midnight 
  • Gomez Art Supply (Lincoln), Wed. 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Indigo Bridge (Lincoln), Thurs. 2 PM to 6 PM
  • Juju's Vegan Cajun and Creole Cuisine (Lincoln), Wed. 11 AM to 2 PM
  • This list is under development. Check back for updates.

Nebraska businesses and organizations interested in joining this list can email comm@aclunebraska.org.
 

Learn 

Many Nebraskans don't know our state is one of the most hostile states to reproductive rights in the entire country. Take time to learn about the history behind abortion restrictions and the current laws on the books so you can be a more effective advocate when it is needed most.

Share

Your voice carries weight with your family and friends. Chances are you know which ones share your values. Leverage your social media accounts and contacts list to start conversations about protecting access to abortion care.

Get started by downloading and sharing the following images on social media. You can write your own message or use some of our suggested copy.

Instagram

A yellow graphic reads "Stop. The. Bans."

A yellow graphic reads, "Nebraska needs reproductive justice."

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments about abortion today and I want to remind all my friends that our rights shouldn't be up for debate. I'm ready to fight to protect access to abortion care because abortion is health care and abortion is a right.

Twitter

A yellow graphic reads "Stop. The. Bans."

A yellow graphic reads, "Nebraska needs reproductive justice."

We need:

✅ respect for personal decisions

✅ affordable care for all

✅ compassion and support, not stigma

I believe abortion is a right and that Nebraska needs reproductive justice.

Facebook

A yellow graphic reads "Stop. The. Bans."

A yellow graphic reads, "Nebraska needs reproductive justice."

Today's Supreme Court hearing is a reminder that it’s up to us to call for solutions to make abortion available, affordable, and accessible for anyone who needs it. Abortion is health care and abortion is a right.

Messenger or text thread

Friends, I'm sure you are seeing the news about the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments on an abortion ban today. If you're as fired up as I am, check out the ACLU's page on ways you can get involved. I'm emailing my state senator and I hope you will too.

 

Act 

Contact Your Senator

Now more than any moment in recent history, state senators need to hear that their constituents want them to respect and protect Nebraskans' rights to make their own decisions about abortion care.

Find your state senator, then email them and ask them to reject any legislation next session that will take decisions about abortion care out of the hands of patients and their doctors. Tell them that all Nebraskans should have the ability to make decisions about their lives and bodies, to access abortion care when they need it, in the way that works best for them, and with the guidance of providers they trust.

Keep it brief and remember, you're the expert! Need a shot of confidence? Review our tips for contacting elected officials. Below is an example email you can send to your senator. While personal notes work best, you can also just copy and paste! Something is absolutely better than nothing. 

Dear Sen. [Last Name],

As a constituent, I'm writing to ask you to please commit to protecting Nebraskans' reproductive rights next legislative session, including the right to access abortion care. Nebraska already has more restrictions than many other states. Instead of discussing more barriers, the Nebraska Legislature should be discussing expanding access to reproductive health care. Can I count on you to trust Nebraskans and respect their rights to make the decisions that are best for them and their families?

Thank you,

[Your name here]

Weigh in via a Newspaper

State senators and other policymakers read newspaper opinion sections like you check Instagram or TikTok. Yes, really! Writing a short message about the importance of protecting access to abortion care can help show the breadth of support for reproductive justice. Read our tips for writing letters to the editor and then send a quick message to your local paper.