This week at Gender Justice: Growing our team, in the news, and more

September 8, 2022

Dear Friend,

Our work matters. In the post-Roe landscape our research, litigation, advocacy, and education matter like never before.

Just last month, Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a consumer alert on Minnesota crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), warning that CPCs advertise health care but actually pressure pregnant people away from abortion — often through deceiving messaging and methods. The alert cites data from Gender Justice’s recent study on CPCs with the Alliance: State Advocates for Women’s Rights & Gender Equality.

Our supporters make this work possible. Thank you for helping us make change and keep reading for the latest news from Gender Justice!

Gender Justice Welcomes Ruth Richardson to PPNCS

Yesterday, Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS) announced the appointment of Ruth Richardson as the new CEO. Ruth has been a tireless advocate for reproductive justice as a Minnesota State Representative, the chair of the Black Maternal Health caucus, lawyer, and healthcare CEO. Our team is thrilled to work with Ruth and her team at PPNCS in this next chapter. Read our statement.

Doe v. Minnesota Update

This week, Ramsey County District Court Judge Thomas Gilligan rejected an attempt by Traverse County Attorney Matthew Franzese to intervene in Doe v. Minnesota. Judge Gilligan had ruled in July that many of the abortion restrictions we challenged violate Minnesota’s constitution, including the mandatory 24-hour waiting period and a requirement that both parents be notified before a minor can get an abortion. Gender Justice Legal Director Jess Braverman spoke with MPR, the Associated Press, and other outlets on the news.

Gender Justice in the News

Our work on crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) continues to make the news. Senior Staff Attorney Christy Hall spoke with the Forum News Service about the harms of in an article published throughout the region.

Christy discussed the “Designed to Deceive” report Gender Justice co-authored, including research into how Minnesota selects and oversees the awarding of Positive Alternatives Grant Funding – which directly funds CPCs across the state.

“Based on what we were able to get, we don’t think that the Minnesota Department of Health is really overseeing these grants very well,” Hall said.

Priority deadline for applications approaching

Applications close September 11 for the following key roles on our growing team:

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Thank you for reading!
–The Gender Justice Team