Planned Parenthood Toronto stands in deep solidarity for all those who hit the streets over the last several months to vote against a platform of hate. Last night’s results were devastating.

In particular, we are thinking this morning of the families of Nevaeh Crain, 18 and Josseli Barnica, 28 who devastatingly lost their daughters as a direct result of the abortion bans in Texas championed by Donald Trump. We are thinking of the unimaginable harm and suffering they had to endure. And we are thinking of the countless other women and pregnant people – named and unnamed – who have been forced to face a similar fate.

Over the last several years, we have been horrified watching the backlash against vulnerable communities. In addition to the attacks on women, girls, and gender diverse people, hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric targeting racialized immigrants and newcomers has been normalized. Like you we have witnessed the growth of a coordinated and well-resourced movement make its way into Canadian politics and public discourse at an alarming rate.

We know that you’re probably scared. Scared of what is to come, and terrified of the rights and protections we hold dear might one day be eroded as well. These fears make sense – everywhere we look it is as if the far-right is being emboldened.

And we know that you’re probably tired too. Tired of the remarkable levels of government neglect. Of the spectacular displays of cruelty. Tired of screaming at the top of your lungs to be seen. To be heard. And so today, from everyone at PPT – the doctors, nurses and peer educators in our clinic; the unbelievable front desk and medical secretarial staff; the health promoters and mental health clinicians; and all of our admin staff – we say we see you. We offer our deepest solidarity and promise to continue to show up for youth in our city.

As we take a moment to grieve, Planned Parenthood Toronto wishes to re-assert that it will continue to fight boldly for reproductive justice here in Canada. We will continue to show up for trans and gender-diverse youth. And we will not leave those marginalized and abandoned by systems of oppression behind. And we want you to join us and help us build a future we could all be proud of.