Stated Podcast: Ilyse Hogue, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America
Season 2, Episode 4 of Stated, a podcast by the DLCC
Jessica talks with Ilyse Hogue, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, about the recent attacks on reproductive rights, the importance of winning state legislatures, and how to make a difference. Established in 1969, NARAL Pro-Choice America fights for reproductive freedom for every person in every state. With more than 2 million members, NARAL organizes and mobilizes to protect that freedom by fighting for access to abortion care, birth control, paid parental leave and protections from pregnancy discrimination.
This interview was first published on May 29, 2019 and has been edited for length and clarity. Subscribe to Stated on your favorite podcast app.
Even though we flipped the U.S. House and eight (!!) state legislative chambers from red-to-blue last cycle, Republicans still have a grip on several states, and are using that power to take their attacks on Roe v. Wade to an extreme. Ilyse and Jessica discuss how laws like these are part of the larger battle for the Supreme Court.
Ilyse Hogue: For the last two years, we’ve collectively undergone this massive cultural gaslighting. During Kavanaugh, they said, “You’re crazy — they’re not coming for Roe!” And now, we trust ourselves. We don’t trust what they’re saying, and we’re organizing like our lives depend on it because they do.
Ilyse and Jessica also discuss how it’s not just about thwarting Republican attacks on Roe–– it’s extremely important that we elect Democrats in the states who will expand access to reproductive health care and guarantee Roe v. Wade is the law of the land.
Ilyse Hogue: On the other side, we did make great gains in 2018 and we are seeing progress in a lot of the states we were able to flip state legislatures and elect pro-choice governors. It was really awesome because it was right at the same time as our #StopTheBans Day of Action on Tuesday [when] we saw Nevada pass the Trust Women Act, which would decriminalize abortion in state statute. We’re seeing California move proactive legislation. Maine also did some great stuff this year.
Ilyse shared how Americans everywhere–– and especially in Republican districts — can make a difference when reproductive rights are under attack.
Ilyse Hogue: Our members [tell us] all the time because sometimes they live in a Republican district, “They’re not gonna listen to what I’m saying,” and I say all the time: That’s their strategy. Their strategy is for you to stay silent. But when we model being active and vocal — not just in the voting booth, but in demanding accountability at every step after they’re elected. That’s when we organize and when people join us. And that’s when we make real gains.
You gotta stay loud, bring your neighbors with you to the state house when you can. You gotta get 5 friends to make a call on this legislation, and you gotta get to the voting booth.
Jessica Post: [Republicans] would really prefer that this happened in the dark of night and [we have to do] anything that we could do to bring it in the light of day.
And in a final concluding message, Ilyse shares her advice for building a career fighting for the things you believe in.
Ilyse Hogue: Do what makes your heart sing. There is no shortage of need for people’s voices fighting for what you believe in. We all got our start as volunteers. What I tell people is try everything on. I’ve knocked a ton of doors, I’ve made a ton of phone calls, I’ve had to fundraise, I’ve worked on campaigns…but try it all on. You never know what’s gonna click for you and where you’re going to find that window that actually sets you on the trajectory in your career.
Click above to listen to the full episode, and subscribe to Stated on your favorite podcast app.
