Operation Oprah

March 8, 2006

Today is International Women's Day.
Tomorrow is Solidarity with South Dakota Day.

Here is an idea: it's time to get Oprah on board with defending women's right to choose. I'm not just talking about abortion here, but the attack on our free access to birth control. A mainstream, mass-mediated woman like Oprah could send a wake-up call to millions of women who might otherwise choose not to think about these issues because they just haven't had the right kind of consciousness raising.

Here's the plan: write to the Oprah Show to suggest that they do a show on choice. I have a sample letter for you below. All you have to do is go to the link, fill in your information, paste the letter into the box (This letter is right at the character-limit) and voila'! Think of it as a form of media-lobbying. I can think of no better media outlet to reach women (and men) across the country…

So here's the link: http://www2.oprah.com/email/reach/email_showideas.jhtml

Oh, and don't forget to forward to your friends!

Sample Letter:

Dear Oprah Show:

Women in America need you to do a show on preserving our Right to Choose. I'm not just talking about abortion, but a right to choose whether or not to use CONTRACEPTION to prevent pregnancy. Right now in America there is a real threat to women's reproductive health, and we need your help. We need someone with your influence to help wake up American women to take a stand!

In Kansas, Attorney General Phill Klein has tried to subpoena women's abortion records. Also in this state, it is legal for a 14-year-old to marry, but illegal for her to have sex if she is unmarried. Klein is working towards making all mandated reporters (teachers, doctors, counselors) report to the State if they suspect that an unwed minor is engaging in sexual activity so that the activity can be investigated. No young people will come forward for help or health services if they fear such an investigation!