(Trenton) – Women’s reproductive and fundamental health care rights have been under attack in many states following the United States Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which denies a woman’s right to direct her own healthcare choices.
Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex, Morris) has called for a multifaceted response to ensure that women’s rights are protected and has written letters to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, various trade organizations, professional sports leagues, and labor unions urging them to respond to states that have enacted trigger ban laws limiting a woman’s reproductive rights.
“Protest marches raise awareness and it is imperative to exercise our right to vote in support of candidates who respect a woman’s right to be treated equally. However, additional proactive measures are warranted. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was the wellspring of the Civil Rights movement. ‘We the People’ must bring economic consequences to those states restricting a woman’s right to direct their own healthcare.”
In the letters to the fortune 500 companies, professional sports leagues, professional trade associations, and labor unions, McKeon asked these organizations to use their considerable influence in states restricting a woman’s reproductive freedom.
“Businesses, professional associations, and unions should take their trade shows and conventions to a State that respects women’s healthcare rights.”
“You do not have to be a major corporation to make a difference – change your vacation plans and in the future choose not to spend your hard-earned money in states where women cannot exercise control over their healthcare decisions.”
The veteran Assembly member lamented the Supreme Court’s position, which conflicts with the views of a majority of Americans.
“The Fourteenth Amendment prohibits states from enacting laws that deny any citizen equal protection under the law. Yet, the Supreme Court now allows states to deny the rights of half the population by taking away their reproductive freedom?”
“We should continue to rally and make our outrage known, but it is time to support our values with our actions and resources.”