Dear John,

In their second special session this summer, the Texas legislature went after abortion providers. On Wednesday—the final day of the special session—lawmakers approved a bill that lets private citizens sue abortion pill manufacturers, doctors, or anyone who mails or assists in securing the medication. In a state that already bans most abortions, the law poses a threat to one of the last viable ways to obtain an abortion without leaving the state. (Ever the ones to have their priorities straight, the lawmakers also passed a bill that prevents trans people from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity in public buildings.)

Laws like this one spell out a simple truth at the core of the current Republican agenda, and our current moment: it is unsafe to be a woman in today’s America. And that situation is by design—whether through abortion restrictions, questioning the safety of the most effective forms of contraception, or RFK Jr.’s targeting of safe and effective vaccines, and other proven public health interventions that save lives. We will all suffer the consequences—regardless of our politics. 

As red states continue their antiabortion crusades, lawmakers and public officials in blue states are doubling down on expanding access to abortion care. Late last month, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law that requires public colleges and universities to ensure that students have access to medication abortion and contraception, as contributing editor Carrie Baker reports for Ms. this week. The state joins California, Massachusetts and New York in requiring student health centers to offer abortion pills. “As Donald Trump and his administration continue to pull every lever they can to rip rights away from women, Illinois is making sure every woman, at every stage of life, can get the legal care they need from providers they trust,” Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said in a press release.

Finally, we got to hear the words of women victimized by Jeffrey Epstein, who bravely chose to raise their voices and speak out on Capitol hill this week. They implored Congress to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act. "This is about ending secrecy wherever abuse of power takes root," said Anouska De Georgiou, one of the victims who spoke. "If this Congress is serious about justice, then let this moment also affirm your commitment to provide victims with the legal aid they need.” Ms. photojournalist Jenny Warburg was at the press conference, and a private event with survivors and their families the evening before. Her photo essay is included below. 

This is not the first time some of these women have spoken about the abuse they endured. Many more of Epstein’s victims have made official reports to federal and state authorities, only to have those reports buried and not investigated. "The fact of the matter is this is a cover up. This is a massive cover up,” said New York Rep. Dan Goldman, who was a former Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. “They're not just stonewalling. They're trying to do it through charades and sleight of hand, so to speak, but ... they are covering something up.” 

Let us all be inspired by their bravery in our fights ahead. We are going to need it. 

Onward,

Kathy Spillar

Executive Editor

Listen to the latest podcast from Ms. Studios! The latest episode of Looking Back, Moving Forward is out now on Apple Podcasts + Spotify.

The fifth and final episode of Looking Back, Moving Forward illustrates the power of the ERA’s promise, and how the fight for constitutional equality is connected to the issues we’ve explored in our previous installments—women’s political power, reproductive freedom, economic justice and the struggle to end gender-based violence. Experts and advocates share what they’ve learned in 50-plus years of ERA activism, and how they’re fighting forward for full equality at the state and national level.

We hope you'll listen, subscribe, rate and review today!

U.S. democracy is at a dangerous inflection point—from the demise of abortion rights, to a lack of pay equity and parental leave, to skyrocketing maternal mortality, and attacks on trans health. Left unchecked, these crises will lead to wider gaps in political participation and representation. For over 50 years, Ms. has been forging feminist journalism—reporting, rebelling and truth-telling from the front-lines, championing the Equal Rights Amendment, and centering the stories of those most impacted. With all that’s at stake for equality, we are redoubling our commitment for the next 50 years. In turn, we need your help, Support Ms. today with a donation—any amount that is meaningful to you. We are grateful for your loyalty and ferocity.

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