Donald Trump’s first presidency led to restrictions on funding for reproductive health organizations like Planned Parenthood and to the nomination of Supreme Court justices who two years ago struck down federal abortion rights. Gretchen Raffaa, Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer of Planned Parenthood Votes Rhode Island, spoke to us about what to expect from Trump’s second term, and what local reproductive rights organizations are doing to prepare.
TRANSCRIPT:
This transcript was edited for length and clarity.
Hernandez:
Gretchen, in your role at Planned Parenthood Votes Rhode Island, you do a lot of community engagement and canvassing work. What concerns are you hearing from people following Trump’s re-election?
Raffa:
You know, people are understandably worried about whether or not they will continue to have access to the health care they have now, like birth control, abortion. Gender-affirming health care is really important to people and their concerns, vaccination. So I think it’s pretty fair to say that people are feeling anxious and scared, even here in Rhode Island, about their health care and exploring different ways. They’re trying to get us to prepare now for possible restrictions on their ability to get the care that they need. And they’re worried about our communities.
This interview was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.
