For Immediate Release:
January 7, 2021

For More Information:

Karen Middleton, President

Laura K Chapin
Communications Consultant, Cobalt

COBALT STATEMENT ON YESTERDAY’S VIOLENT ATTACK ON THE US CAPITOL

 

Denver – Cobalt, Colorado’s statewide grassroots abortion rights advocacy organization, today issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s treasonous mob attack on the US Capitol, incited by President Trump:

“Yesterday was a tough day for many of us, and today won’t be much easier. The violent attack on the US Capitol, on the foundation of our democracy, was deeply disturbing not just because it happened but because of the ease in which it was carried out.

And it was also difficult because it reminds us that threats and harassment and violence directed at reproductive health providers and clinics has been happening for decades. It is not a coincidence that an incoming West Virginia legislator who filmed himself attacking the Capitol – someone known to our movement for his harassment of abortion clinic workers.  There is a direct line between the terrorism abortion providers have routinely been subjected to and what we saw yesterday.

And to see the disparity in how these attackers were treated, as opposed to how Black Lives Matter protesters were treated, is deeply disturbing. We do not work in a vacuum, and white supremacy affects our community, our state, and our nation. Our work is inherently tied to racial justice and ending inequality. This threat to our democracy harms all of us seeking a better, more inclusive, and more just Colorado and country.

We hope that yesterday proves to be a turning point in how these threats are assessed and the consequences for those who commit those acts. And we at Cobalt will rededicate ourselves to our mission of ensuring that Colorado will be a state that respects the ability of individuals to make the health care decisions that are right for them, free from stigma, systemic barriers, and politics.”

###

Cobalt is a grassroots, statewide Colorado organization that advances abortion access and reproductive rights. Our organization began in 1967 when Colorado became the first state to allow safe, legal abortion. Cobalt believes nothing should stand between you and your health decisions, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for systems, structures and policies that protect reproductive rights and guarantee comprehensive, universal access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion.