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ShareFeminist Majority "Supreme Court in Peril" Chat Series of 2003
Connie Watts, director, Responsible Choices Field Operations
Deena Maerowitz, Lobbyist
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA)
Connie Watts, director, Responsible Choices Field Operations joined PPFA in 1997 as field manager before becoming director of Planned Parenthoods field department after serving as Public Affairs Director at Planned Parenthood of Utah for 8 years. During her 12 years with Planned Parenthood, Connies primary focus has always been on advancing Planned Parenthoods public policy goals and building affiliates capacity to support this goal.
Prior to coming to PPFA, Deena Maerowitz worked at the Childrens Defense Fund in the capacity of Deputy Director, Programs and Policy. She was responsible for overseeing and providing direction to policy division directors and staff on Childrens Defense Fund for Senior Vice President and Presidents Office. Deena assisted with writing and editing Childrens Defense Fund publications and The Act To Leave No Child Behind. Additionally, Deena managed the Childrens Defense Fund law clerk program. Deena Maerowitz is the Legislative Representative on abortion and judicial nominations issues. Deena lobbies members of Congress and their staff on reproductive health and related legislation and serves as PPFAs "voice on the Hill" to ensure Congress is informed and aware of PPFAs message and issue priorities to influence the outcome of federal legislation and federal policies.
Moderator: Welcome.
Deena Maerowitz : Hello
posted:6/12/2003 1:51:00 PM CST
Moderator: Welcome.
Connie Watts: Hi
posted:6/12/2003 1:52:00 PM CST
Jen: is there a greater threat in the courts at the federal or state
level?
Connie Watts: Courts are important at all levels. That said, were especially
concerned about the federal judiciary in terms of womens reproductive
choice. Federal appellate are often courts of last resort in many, many
cases...
posted:6/12/2003 2:01:00 PM CST
Erika: Do you think that the Laci Peterson case will be bad for reproductive
rights if they decide that killing the fetus was infanticde? Is there
any precedence for this kind of case?
Deena Maerowitz : Our hearts go out to the Peterson family for their
loss. We would hope that the tragedy that happened to Laci brings more
attention to the issue of domestic violence towards women. The majority
of women who die as a result of domestic violence are pregnant when they
are assaulted.
posted:6/12/2003 2:03:00 PM CST
Lucy: What are some of the challenges of pro-choice lobbying in the
current political climate?
Deena Maerowitz : The climate is challenging for those of us who continue
to fight for womens reproductive choice. We must continue to ensure that
women have choices about their own lives and bodies.
posted:6/12/2003 2:05:00 PM CST
Pauline: Do you think there will be a Supreme Court retirement soon?
Why is it so important?
Deena Maerowitz : We are keeping a close eye on judicial nominations
in all courts. We are preparing for an opening on the Court and will
fight to ensure that any Justices nominated support a womans right to
choose.
posted:6/12/2003 2:06:00 PM CST
Carrie: What are the practical implications of all these right-wing
judicial nominees on womens access to reproductive choices?
Connie Watts: The right to choose hangs in the balance. For many cases
involving reproductive rights, the appellate courts are the courts of
last resort. Therefore, its really important that judges sitting on these
appellate court support a womans right to choose.
posted:6/12/2003 2:08:00 PM CST
Amy: What suggestions do you have for how to educate people at the grassroots
level about the importance of judicial appointments. I think that most
believe dont understand the very basic elements of how judicial nominations
and confirmations happen.
Connie Watts: There are a number of approaches to educating people. A
very basic, but effective idea is to start a letter writers group that
writes letters and submits them to local newspapers to reach a large
number of people. Another idea is to hold house parties with your friends
and colleagues to talk about what is at stake.
posted:6/12/2003 2:10:00 PM CST
Janice: If the federal appellate courts are the court of last resort
in most cases, then why is everyone focused on the Supreme Court?
Connie Watts: A very good question! The Supreme Courts ruling is still
the law of the land and every appellate court must follow the rulings
of the Supreme Court. If the Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, then
it would have a great effect on all our courts.
posted:6/12/2003 2:13:00 PM CST
Jen: I saw a video recently where a couple had just lost their daughter
due to a back alley abortion- they lived in Indiana and the girl tried
to avoid a parental notification law, and the parents had no idea it
existed. Is there any program in place to inform parents of the laws
in their state that might be endangering their daughters?
Connie Watts: One source to find out about the laws in your state is
through www.plannedparenthood.org. Check under fact sheets.
posted:6/12/2003 2:15:00 PM CST
Jaime: What is PPFA lobbying on currently? Does it include encouraging
pro-choice Dems to filibuster any anti-choice Supreme Court nominee?
Deena Maerowitz : When a Supreme Court opening occurs, we will encourage
members of Congress to work hard to ensure that a Justice supports a
womans right to choose.
posted:6/12/2003 2:17:00 PM CST
Jon: Do you support the Laci Peterson bill that has been introduced
in Congress?
Deena Maerowitz : Our hearts go out to the Peterson family for their
tragic loss. We do not support the so called Unborn Victims of Violence
Act in that this law does nothing to protect women who are victims of
domestic violence.
posted:6/12/2003 2:19:00 PM CST
Helen: Which of the Circuit Courts are most important? Which are in
danger of becoming dominated by far right or anti-choice judges?
Connie Watts: There is currently a majority of Republican appointed justices
in 9 of our circuits. (DC, 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th.
posted:6/12/2003 2:20:00 PM CST
Joann: How do you plan to include more young women in the movement?
They seem so detached.
Connie Watts: I completely agree that young women (and men) are essential
to this movement - but the good news is I believe they are a growing,
vibrant part of our movement now. Planned Parenthood has student chapters
on 109 campuses nationwide. Our sisters here at Feminist Majority also
have impressive reach with college aged activists. You should have heard
already but next April the 25th were having the largest march in history
here in Washington, D.C. We know the crowd will be FILLED with young
people.
posted:6/12/2003 2:21:00 PM CST
Julie: i realize the importance of judicial nominations, and Im already
a member of the PPFA action network-- do you have any suggestions of
other ways to get active in helping to block some of Buishs anti-choice
nominations?
Connie Watts: You should get involved with your local Planned Parenthood
affiliate or other local group. Many of use plan activities and events
to raise awareness on an on-going basis... All of our local chapters
need warm bodies to do the very important work of raising the issues
in the community.
posted:6/12/2003 2:25:00 PM CST
Jenny: Why is the March for Choice happening next year? Dont you want
to have it before Bush gets a chance to nominate a Supreme Court justice?
Connie Watts: We believe April of next year is perfect timing to raise
awareness about the war on women by the Bush administration. Yes - we
may have a Supreme Court vacancy before then but even the fact that were
organizing now for the largest march ever helps with stopping bad nominees
now.
posted:6/12/2003 2:27:00 PM CST
Annie: The Womens Center at my school wants to be seen as apolitical,
so they are afraid to take a vocal pro-choice stand. How do you deal
with this attitude in your campus organizing?
Connie Watts: First - organize now, even if you arent officially recognized
by your university. Get your friends together and commit to getting things
done. Perhaps the first organizing goal youll undertake is to raise awareness
on your campus about just what is at stake.
posted:6/12/2003 2:29:00 PM CST
Jen: do you think the latest bill of partial-birth abortion ban, which
passed Congress, will be found unconstitutional by the supreme court?
Deena Maerowitz : Well - if none of the current Supreme Court justices
retire before they might hear this case then yes - it should be overturned
because it is in fact nearly identical to the last case the heard relating
to this issue (Stenberg v. Carhart). LIke Stenberg, the current legislation
lacks a health exception for the mother and could also apply to second
trimester previability abortions.
posted:6/12/2003 2:31:00 PM CST
iNGE HEINEMAN: hOW CAN WOMEN IN THEIR SENIOR YEARS ORGANIZE AND HELP
IN INFLUENCING POLICY TO SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR WORK.? GROUPW FAVORABLE
TO KEEPING CHOOSING JUSTICES
Deena Maerowitz : Bravo for you! We need you and in many ways seniors
can be the very best organizers. Many seniors have more free time. You
should get a group together - and just like with campus groups - map
out goals and tactics. Writing letters to the editor - or even doing
a demonstration can be really effective with a group of seniors. Plus
- DONT FORGET THE MARCH NEXT YEAR! We want to see people of all ages
- and more senior women lived through the pre-Roe years. You go girl!
posted:6/12/2003 2:33:00 PM CST
mary lou: is working at planned parenthood fun?
Connie Watts: Yes! Its amazing - full of incredible people all over the
country. I absolutely love my job - but it is very, very busy and intense.
There is so much at stake and we have no choice but to win!
posted:6/12/2003 2:36:00 PM CST
Jen: What do you think is the most urgant issue today for women?
Deena Maerowitz : There are so many potential impediments to a womans
right to choose. Roe v. Wade hangs by a thread.
posted:6/12/2003 2:38:00 PM CST
Jen: What career advice do you have for young feminists?
Deena Maerowitz : Work doing what you love! I meet with women every week
who want to do the type of work I do! Im a lawyer and I think Im a
lot happier than many of my friends from law school who dont find their
work as relevant to their community and lives!
posted:6/12/2003 2:40:00 PM CST
Sarah: How have decisions by the courts affected Planned Parenthood
clinics?
Connie Watts: Two examples: Rulings in the appellate courts have affected
restrictions on minors access to abortion, counseling requirements prior
to obtaining an abortion.
posted:6/12/2003 2:42:00 PM CST
Niki: Im a student in Maine. What can I do to help stop Bush from appointing
an anti-choice justice to the Supreme Court?
Connie Watts: Organize with your campus and become an activist. You can
engage with your members of congress through letters and calls! Voice
your opinion!
posted:6/12/2003 2:44:00 PM CST
Joni:
Since we know that fully one-third of the Court of Appeals cases considering
the constitutionality of an abortion restriction are decided by split
panels, where the judges looking at the same set of facts disagree
about how to apply controlling Supreme Court case law, what does that
mean for Miguel Estrada if he were to sit on the D.C. Circuit? Does
he pose a threat to reproductive rights? How many abortion-related
cases does the D.C. Circuit hear each year?
Connie Watts: We opposed Miguel Estradas nomination to the DC Circuit
court because we SIMPLY do not know enough at all about his background
and opinions! We will not support a nominee who does not state that
she or he supports a womens right to choose.
The DC Circuit Court is especially important b/c it is viewed as second
only to the Supreme Court in influence over issues. It has exclusive
jurisdiction not only over the DC District Court but also over federal
reglatory agency appeals, and therefore has a special role! It establishes
precedent that can affect all of us.
posted:6/12/2003 2:46:00 PM CST
Nancy: What can I tell my friends to explain why the Circuit Courts
are important to womens rights?
Connie Watts: One of the most compelling pieces you can share with someone
that describes the problem is the War on Women document Planned Parenthood
has on our saveROE.com web site. Its an incredible chronology of cut
after cut at reproductive rights in the Bush administration. Everyone
Ive shared it with has been outraged!
posted:6/12/2003 2:49:00 PM CST
Jen: I know that around 87% of counties in the US have no abortion access-
are new clinics being opened, or is the focus on stregnthening existing
clinics?
Connie Watts: You are right - the focus is keeping the doors of exisiting
clinics open. State legislatures across the country have made it harder
and harder for health care providers to offer reproductive health care.
Access issues often affect women who need health services the most.
posted:6/12/2003 2:53:00 PM CST
Marcia: Aside from Roe v. Wade, what are some cases or rights that are
at stake if there is an anti-choice justice appointed to the Supreme
Court?
Deena Maerowitz : We work with a broad coalition of organizations who
are concerned with issues ranging from environmental protection to civil
rights. A Supreme Court Justice who does not support many of our fundamental
rights from choice to civil rights to envirnomental rights will affect
all of us.
posted:6/12/2003 2:57:00 PM CST
Moderator: Thanks for participating.
Connie Watts: Thank you for joining us today. Please join us in our fight
to protect our
reproductive rights. For more information about judicial nominations
and
getting involved visit either the PPFA website at
http://www.plannedparenthood.org or the Feminist Majoritys Million4Roe
campaign site at http://www.million4roe.com. We hope you will join us
again
for our continuing June chat series, Supreme Court in Peril.
posted:6/12/2003 3:00:00 PM CST
Moderator: Thanks for participating.
Deena Maerowitz : We love your energy - please stay involved and help
all of us by organizing your friends and neighbors!
posted:6/12/2003 3:01:00 PM CST
