PLI Bulletin

Medical Debt, Human Rights, Latino Votes and More

Posted on August 6, 2024

Honor Human Rights Resolution: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, championed by Eleanor Roosevelt, is 75 years old and just as important as it ever was. The Honor Human Rights Resolution is a restatement of the Universal Declaration, and calls on our federal, state and local governments to stand up for our fundamental freedoms.

How to talk about LGBTQ+ rights and public schools: We’ve recently published three key rules of persuasion: (1) Always begin in agreement; (2) Use values to frame the debate; and (3) Show listeners how they benefit. For examples of how to apply these rules to two important issues, see the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.

The Latino Vote: Mike Madrid is a third-generation Mexican-American, a cofounder of the Lincoln Project, and an expert on the complex undercurrents of how Latinos vote. Listen here.

State reforms to address medical debt: Last year, 41 percent of Americans reported having debt from medical or dental bills and most people with medical debt tend to delay or avoid needed medical care, according to the Center for American Progress. This report discusses solutions from Oregon and Minnesota.

Right-wingers push to declare that fetuses are people: At least 19 states have declared that fetuses at some stage of pregnancy are people, according to a Stateline story. Experts warn of legal chaos, preventing fertility treatments, hampering birth control, and subjecting women to criminal charges for actions that might hurt a pregnancy.

A further update on 2024 abortion rights ballot initiatives: Abortion rights is on the ballot in six states (CO, FL, MD, NV, NY, SD) and will probably be on the ballot in three other states (AZ, MO, NE). Arkansas and Montana efforts being decided in court. Read about it in our latest Repro Rights Report.