By Josh Hildebrand ’22, staff writer

The College Democrats are raising funds to support women’s health.

The fundraiser comes on the heels of last month’s controversial abortion ban in Texas, which prevents women from receiving an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Under the law, private citizens can sue those providing abortions and anyone aiding women in obtaining one.

Such policies inspired the College Democrats to act. Ariana Genna, president of the College Democrats, credits a member with generating the idea to start a fundraiser.

“We want to support women who are not going to be able to receive basic health and family planning care, such as access to birth control and STD testing,” Genna said. “This event is important because right now, facilities that provide basic health care to women are being attacked and defunded.”

During the coming weeks, in the Mund dining hall, students will be able to donate directly to charities through Venmo or with cash donations to the College Democrats, which will be sent to the following three charities: Support Your Sistah Fund, Clinical Access Support Network, and Indigenous Women Rising. Students who donate will receive stickers made by the College Democrats.

“Our goals for the fundraiser are to support women across the United States, particularly Indigenous women and women of color,” Genna said. “We are hoping to create campus awareness about these issues.”

The event began today in the Mund Dining Hall, wherein the College Democrats raised over $50. It will continue Friday, Oct. 21 from 11-1 p.m and from 5-7 p.m. Additional dates are also planned.