Lizz Winstead, founder of American Access Front, explores strategies to restore women’s rights post-Roe v. Wade abolition, emphasizing grassroots activism and legal challenges at Netroots Nation 2024.
Lizz Winstead discusses the path forward.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
I recently engaged in a powerful and enlightening conversation with Lizz Winstead, a pioneering force in the fight for reproductive rights and the founder of Abortion Access Front at the Netroots Nation Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Winstead, who also co-created “The Daily Show,” now dedicates her considerable talents to advocating for reproductive justice when such rights are under unprecedented attack in the United States.
The Mission of Abortion Access Front
Abortion Access Front (AAF) is more than just an advocacy group; it’s a lifeline for those seeking reproductive care and justice in increasingly hostile environments. Winstead describes AAF as a multifaceted organization that works on multiple fronts: raising awareness about the ongoing erosion of abortion access, supporting clinics under siege, and confronting those who would infringe on reproductive rights. One of the organization’s key initiatives is its podcast, “Feminist Buzzkills,” which dives deep into the latest news and legal battles surrounding reproductive rights, offering listeners actionable steps to get involved.
In the podcast, Winstead and her team interview a range of experts—abortion providers, legal scholars, and activists—giving a voice to those on the front lines of the battle for reproductive freedom. The goal is to inform, mobilize, and empower listeners, ensuring that the issue of abortion remains front and center in the national discourse.
The Impact of the Supreme Court’s Decision
The conversation inevitably turned to the monumental impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a ruling that had protected abortion rights for nearly half a century. Winstead didn’t mince words in her assessment of the ruling’s consequences. She pointed out that the decision stripped away not just the rights of women but also the humanity of anyone who can become pregnant, along with their partners who are making decisions about their families. The ruling, she argued, is an attack on personal autonomy, forcing pregnancies as a punishment rather than allowing for family planning that aligns with personal and economic realities.
Winstead eloquently connected the dots between reproductive rights and broader societal issues, particularly economic justice. She challenged the often-repeated conservative claim that abortion is separate from economic concerns, pointing out the undeniable financial implications of forced parenthood. Raising a child, especially under conditions of economic strain, is a monumental decision with lifelong consequences. The Supreme Court’s ruling not only devalues women but also undermines the economic stability of families across the country.
The Hypocrisy of Anti-Abortion Conservatives
A critical point in the discussion was the hypocrisy within the anti-abortion movement, particularly among conservative women who privately seek abortions while publicly supporting restrictive laws. Winstead highlighted the cognitive dissonance at play: many of these women benefit from white supremacy and patriarchy, systems that are threatened by the empowerment of women through control over their fertility. The overturning of Roe is, at its core, about maintaining control and power structures that keep certain groups marginalized and disempowered.
Winstead further emphasized that restricting abortion access does not only harm women but also men who care about women, and it destabilizes families and communities. The narrative that abortion is solely a women’s issue is not only misleading but also dangerous, as it fails to recognize the widespread impact of such restrictions.
The Path Forward: Mobilization and Action
Despite the bleak landscape, Winstead remains hopeful. She believes the path forward lies in the power of grassroots mobilization, as evidenced by the success of citizen-led ballot initiatives nationwide. These initiatives have shown that when people can vote directly on the issue, they overwhelmingly support reproductive rights, transcending partisan divides.
Winstead’s organization is at the forefront of this movement, offering resources and avenues for people to get involved. The upcoming documentary, “No One Asked You,” which has been seven years in the making, documents the relentless work of AAF and serves as a call to action for anyone who cares about reproductive justice. The film not only showcases the challenges faced by abortion providers and advocates but also highlights how ordinary citizens can make a difference.
The Bigger Picture: Reproductive Justice for All
We also discussed the broader concept of reproductive justice, which goes beyond the right to abortion. Reproductive justice is about creating an environment where all pregnancy outcomes are supported, whether someone chooses to have a child, not have a child, or parent the children they already have. This requires robust social programs that support families, including healthcare, education, and economic assistance. Therefore, the fight for reproductive rights is also a fight for a just and equitable society where everyone has the resources to thrive.
Conclusion: A Call to Arms
Lizz Winstead’s work through her Abortion Access Front organization is a testament to the power of advocacy, activism, and the belief in a just cause. As the documentary “No One Asked You” continues to make its rounds in the festival circuit, the hope is that it will inspire more people to join the fight for reproductive rights. The Supreme Court’s decision may have set the movement back, but with leaders like Winstead at the helm, the battle is far from over. The path forward is clear: mobilize, organize, and fight for a future where reproductive justice is a reality for all.
The conversation closed with a reminder that the stakes have never been higher, but neither has the potential for meaningful change. The time to act is now; with collective effort, the tide can and will be turned.