LEARN HOW TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL
STATE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
STATE EXECUTIVES
LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES
LOCAL EXECUTIVES
STATE JUDICIARY BRANCH
Determine the constitutionality of anti-choice laws passed by a state legislature
State Supreme Courts
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
Rule to block or permit potential restrictions on abortion access and reproductive health care
State Legislatures
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
Override an anti-choice governor's veto on legislation protecting reproductive freedom
Introduce & pass pro-choice legislation; vote against anti-choice bills in committee & in the legislature
Pass legislation overriding anti-choice executive orders
Allow constituents to vote on statewide amendments that protect access to abortion care
Governors
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
Nominate pro-choice individuals to judicial positions
Advocate for pro-choice legislation and veto anti-choice legislation
Wield executive powers like issuing executive orders that protect patients and caregivers
Exercise significant influence over state agencies with pro-choice policies, programs, and initiatives.
Lt. Governors
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
Advocate in the media to bring awareness to abortion-related issues
In most states, preside over the State Senate and can be the tie breaking vote on legislation to protect access to abortion care
Lobby the legislature for reproductive care
Attorneys General
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
Serve as the state's top law enforcement official and set priorities on protecting access to abortion
Can choose which policies to enforce and / or bring suit against to ensure greater access to reproductive rights
Join other state AGs in filing lawsuits and lending expertise to critical abortion court cases
City Councils
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
Restrict or expand where abortion clinics can be placed in the city through zoning
Can set a pro-choice agenda for the city as they serve as the city's legislative branch
Craft policy that can go against the state legislature's anti-choice actions
Propose pro-choice legislation and vote on local matters involving abortion
Mayors
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
Approve pro-choice legislation and veto anti-choice legislation that a city council passes
Provide or restrict funding for reproductive health care and family planning policies
Influence municipal health and education boards to favor access to reproductive care
District Attorneys*
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
*Their capacity is similar to an AG but on the local level
Set a pro-choice agenda for their office
Influence sentencing guidelines
Choose which cases to prosecute in their district
City Attorneys
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
Defend pro-choice laws and ordinances in front of judges and courts
Represent the city on all matters, including abortion cases that can expand access to care
Sheriffs
HOW THEY CAN PROTECT CHOICE
This can expand their access to abortion in even some of the most restrictive states
Support survivors by making it accessible and less invasive to file against their abuser
Help determine whether or not incarcerated individuals have access to abortion
IT'S TIME TO STEP FORWARD.
That’s why we have a program for women who are trying to decide if running for office is for them. Take the first step. Sign up for our next Step Forward training and decide if running for office is for you.
Learning about how the different parts of state and local government can ensure reproductive freedom, while trying to see where you fit in can feel overwhelming.
