FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2024 

Contact: CODEPINK Michigan [email protected]

Feminists Call On Governor Whitmer to Support Ceasefire

Lansing, MI - This afternoon, CODEPINK Michigan launched its chapter with a massive banner drop in the Michigan capitol with an 18-foot banner that read “FEMINISTS SAY NO TO WAR”. The group then delivered a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, appealing to her feminist values, to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. 

“As feminist activists deeply concerned about the ongoing violent Israeli occupation of Palestine and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we firmly believe that the call for a ceasefire transcends borders and embodies a fundamental feminist issue,” The letter read. 

The activists appealed to Whitmer, asking her to be the first governor in the United States to call for a ceasefire, “Governor Whitmer, your courageous efforts in repealing the extreme 1931 abortion ban – exemplify your unwavering commitment to defending the rights and dignity of women… we implore you to use your platform to speak out against the senseless loss of life in Gaza, where C-sections are conducted without anesthesia, and laboring people are forced to give birth without pain relief.” 

CODEPINK Michigan, as a feminist anti-war organization,  will continue to pressure Whitmer and all “feminist” political leaders who have not stood up for Gaza amid unprecedented attacks on mothers and children. 

Full letter:

Dear Governor Whitmer,

I trust this letter finds you well. On behalf of CODEPINK Michigan, Women for Peace, I extend our gratitude for your steadfast commitment to advancing women's rights and championing feminist causes throughout your tenure. Your unwavering dedication to protecting abortion rights and promoting gender equality has inspired countless women across Michigan and beyond.

As feminist activists deeply concerned about the ongoing violent Israeli occupation of Palestine and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we firmly believe that the call for a ceasefire transcends borders and embodies a fundamental feminist issue. 

"We cannot fight for reproductive autonomy at home while ignoring the struggles of marginalized people for bodily autonomy abroad, especially when the same government responsible for our reproductive oppression at home is sponsoring the reproductive oppression of Palestinians,” as stated by ARC-Southeast (“Access Reproductive Care”). The atrocities committed against women and children in Gaza, compounded by the systemic oppression and violence perpetuated by the Israeli occupation, demand urgent attention and action. The situation in Gaza amounts to nothing short of genocide, and we cannot remain silent in the face of such egregious violations of human rights.

Michigan, with the highest number and percentage of Arab Americans, stands uniquely poised to amplify the call for a ceasefire. National polling has found strong support for a permanent ceasefire and de-escalation of violence in Gaza, as well as strong support for providing humanitarian aid to the region. In the Detroit area, two-thirds of voters support advocating for a permanent ceasefire and de-escalation, with 80% of Democrats, 66% of Independents, and 49% of Republicans in agreement. Additionally, Ann Arbor, Canton, Ferndale, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Hamtramck, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, and Wayne County have all passed ceasefire resolutions.

Governor Whitmer, your courageous efforts in repealing the extreme 1931 abortion ban and expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act exemplify your unwavering commitment to defending the rights and dignity of women. In the same vein, we implore you to use your platform to speak out against the senseless loss of life in Gaza, where C-sections are conducted without anesthesia, and laboring people are forced to give birth without pain relief. 

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), there are approximately 50,000 pregnant people in Gaza right now, of whom 5,500 are expected to give birth in the coming month. All of them are at grave risk. Israel’s brutal military assault on Gaza specifically targets health care and life-supporting facilities and by extension reproductive rights, health, and justice.

Governor Whitmer, it is imperative that you stand in solidarity with women everywhere by unequivocally calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The moral necessity of this stance cannot be overstated. Let us amplify the voices of women who are disproportionately affected by conflict and violence, and let us work together to create a world where all women can live free from fear and oppression.

Thank you, Governor Whitmer, for your unwavering commitment to advancing feminist causes and for your tireless advocacy on behalf of women in Michigan and beyond. We ask you to lead the cause as a female leader and be the first governor to call for a ceasefire. We stand ready to support you in championing the call for peace and justice for women worldwide.

Sincerely,

CODE PINK MICHIGAN

For more information, please contact [email protected]. 

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