This has been a heart-wrenching week. Children died in Texas due to preventable gun violence. A sweeping anti-abortion ban passed in Oklahoma. Hard-liners in the U.S. Congress voted against providing millions in aid to address the shortage of baby formula. The list goes on. 

Hope is hard to come by in the current fight for democracy, but it is essential as we work to turn the tide. And, our strategy is winning. 

Last night, in our challenge to Lebanon, Ohio’s anti-democratic abortion ban, we won a major victory. The city declined to defend its sweeping ban and agreed not to enforce it against those challenging it during the course of this litigation. 

Just days after Justice Alito’s leaked opinion was released suggesting that the Court may be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, we challenged the Lebanon, Ohio law, which was developed by the same movement that produced SB8 in Texas. Our case was filed on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Women Have Options / Ohio (WHO/O). Our lawsuit doesn’t depend on Roe v. Wade because these laws are unconstitutional for many other reasons. 

As a result of our suit, the City has stated it will amend the law to address its legal flaws. Also, for now, the members of NASW and the abortion care advocates at WHO/O – and others who work with them – can continue to do their important work without fear of being criminalized by the ban. Still, no one should have to worry about running afoul of this vague and potentially sweeping law. We will remain vigilant and monitor how Lebanon amends its extreme abortion ban. Our lawsuit will continue until people’s rights are fully protected. 

Even in these challenging times, we need to tell the stories of hope and resilience.  So take a look at the case page on our suit in Lebanon, Ohio today. Share it with someone who needs some hope and to see real examples of how tireless advocacy can create change. American democracy is at an inflection point.  Democracy Forward was built for this moment, and the moments to come.  Thank you for being part of this generational fight for people and democracy. 

Onward, 

Skye