EP 5: Taking the Fight to the Ballot Box

In this podcast episode, Leigh, Lindsay, and Mette welcome guests Lauren and Jasmine, members of the Pensacola Abortion Rights Task Force (PART), to discuss Pensacola's history with abortion care and activism, as well as Florida's current Amendment 4 initiative. PART was founded in 2022 in response to the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and the closure of the local family planning clinic. The organization is actively involved in petitioning efforts for Yes on 4, a non-partisan, citizen-led ballot amendment set for a vote this November. This amendment protects abortion access up to viability and secures the right for individuals and physicians—not politicians—to make personal decisions about reproductive care. It has garnered nearly a million signatures, emphasizing strong public support across party lines. The amendment now requires a 61% approval rating to pass, which is higher than similar measures in other states. We also discuss Lauren's documentary "Pensacola Struggle for Abortion Rights," which outlines the historical context of Pensacola's fight for reproductive rights over the past 50 years. This struggle has endured decades of violence from extreme anti-abortion activists, including the first killing of an abortion doctor in 1993, which garnered national attention and inspired the Rock for Choice concert in Pensacola by Pearl Jam and L7 the following year. The clinic that experienced this violence operated for nearly 50 years before its closure in 2022, serving as a critical resource for those seeking abortion care in the region. Lauren's documentary, which premiered for Women's History month, aims to connect current activists with the stories of those who fought for these rights in the past. For our comprehensive show notes and resources for how to get involved, use the following link—https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GaFb9TG1FteiW-hJ8r-02UVNeufaK3E6ANr0RQ6TdNE/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.fx116pkqr7g