Democrats Receive Update on Legal Challenges to Roe v. Wade

The Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club at its November ZOOM meeting heard a presentation by Beth Parker, General Counsel for several California Planned Parenthood affiliates on the legal challenges to Roe v. Wade. There have been five cases heard by the Supreme Court since 1973, starting with Roe v. Wade . This year Texas passed SB8, a very restrictive abortion law which was challenged by the DOJ and is now before the Supreme Court. This law makes it virtually impossible for a woman to get an abortion, and allows a private citizen to sue anyone assisting a woman attempting to get an abortion. A law in Mississippi is also before the court. This law bans abortion after 15 weeks. Depending on the court’s rulings in these cases, Roe v, Wade may be struck down.

The Texas law bans abortions after about 6 weeks, and has no exception for rape, incest, etc. Texas normally has 56,000 abortions a year. That will be reduced by about 95%.. Texans desiring to terminate a pregnancy must now travel to nearby states, none of which are prepared for such an influx.

Should Roe v. Wade be overturned, 27 states are prepared to immediately pass laws prohibiting abortion. An estimated 36 million women of child-bearing age will loose the right to choose. National polls show about 70% of the population is in favor of the right to choose, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy.

Ms. Parker, in response to questions, pointed out that since 1968, when birth control was legalized, and Roe v. Wade in 1973, women have made dramatic advances in society, given that they now can control when to have children. The current activity may be a backlash against the progress women have made.

Term Limits for Supervisors is Proposed

There is a growing movement to limit the number of terms a Kern County Supervisor may serve. This effort was presented to Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club at its October monthly meeting by Jeanine Adams, a Kern County employee and member of CSIU 521. Union members and others feel the needs of residents are not being met. Paperwork has been filed to qualify a ballot measure which would limit any supervisor to only two terms.

Supervisors are elected for a four-year term and may be reelected numerous times. Five supervisors serve Kern County. The longest serving is Mike Maggard elected in 2006. Zack Scrivner who represents Tehachapi area was elected in 2010.

Jeanine Adams said an overwhelming majority of residents support term limits. Efforts have begun to gather the 2,000 signature to qualify the measure for the November 2022 ballot. She expects the results will be positive.

Marisa Wood Announces Candidacy to Tehachapi Democrats

Marisa Wood met with the Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club at a Zoom meeting. She is a candidate hoping to defeat Kevin McCarthy and represent California Congressional District 23.She declares she will stand up for the forgotten people in this district.

Wood and her husband moved to Bakersfield 35 years ago. Her husband became a farmer and they raised three children. She has been a public school teacher for the last 20 years. Marisa understands the struggles families face because she and her husband faced the same kind of problems when they moved here. She says, “Families need jobs that pay the bills and access to affordable healthcare. We should prioritize workers, growers, farmers, teachers and first responders.”

Marisa Wood feels McCarthy is not truly representing the 23rd District. He doesn’t spend enough time with his constituents to know their needs. He is often unavailable to meet with them. She declares she will be an advocate for all. She will always speak the truth and take responsibility for her actions.

Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club meets the first Thursday of each month. Meetings currently are being held on Zoom. See the website www.tehachapidemocrats.com for information about current issues.