A reflection on Tuesday’s Presidential Election results from Backline’s Executive Director, Parker Dockray:
Like many of you, today, I am still navigating waves of despair, anger, and fear in an ocean of uncertainty. Tuesday’s election outcome confirms a truth too many have tried to ignore: that millions of Americans prefer xenophobia and bigotry to the progress of reproductive, racial, and economic justice.
The results of this election will, without a doubt, have major implications for our fight to ensure that everyone is able to make their own decisions about pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption, with dignity and without judgment or coercion. For communities of color and those struggling to make ends meet, the impact and threats against their access to services and care is even greater still. I hope that each of you are able to find comfort and support from those around you, and to take the time and space to process in whatever ways you need.
Though I, too, am struggling to grasp the implications of this new political reality, I am buoyed by the outpouring of support and energy we are already seeing across the reproductive justice community, as well as within our Backline and All-Options family. Our volunteers, donors, and allies have reached out to us, sending messages of support and appreciation, making offers of their time and talents, and showing selflessness and hope in a moment that, for many of us, feels like nothing short of grief. I am overcome by your generosity and heartened by your resilience and commitment to change.
Know this: our work stands in direct opposition to everything our future administration supports and, in that, there is enormous power and opportunity for growth. Our commitment to providing all-options care and resources via the Talkline and our All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center is unrelenting and strong because of you and the resolve of our volunteers and staff.
In the face of hostility, discrimination, and fear, Backline and All-Options will counter with what we’ve long known to be so powerful: open-hearted, judgment-free care for those who need it most. Your support is what keeps us going in the toughest moments.