Over the last week we have seen the disproportionate toll the violence in Gaza and Israel has taken on young people and the leadership of young people coming together for peace and justice.The gravity and impact of the harm done these past few days, weeks, years, and decades is unmeasurable and horrific. It is not borne equally by all of us and we mourn lives lost and support those most impacted.

Advocates for Youth is furious over a looming government shutdown. Congress has  until September 30 at midnight to prevent a government shutdown by passing Appropriations bills or a Continuing Resolution. Instead, extreme House Republicans are abusing the Appropriations process to advance their anti-immigrant, anti-reproductive rights, and anti-LGBTQ agenda. All summer we saw extreme House Republicans threaten to cut federal funding over gender affirming care, drag shows, Pride flags, and even LGBTQ+ community centers. 

This weekend, racially motivated gun violence took three people’s lives in Jacksonville, Florida. We mourn the losses of Angela Michelle Carr, 52, Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., 19, and Jerrald Gallion, 29.

We condemn the violent actions of the killer, and the toxic culture that empowered white supremacist violence. We must stop the radicalization of young white men that is enabled by politicians who pander to extremists for votes. We must work alongside those who are leading efforts to end white supremacy and gun violence. Young people are working for a time when everyone can live free from violence and fear.

Advocates for Youth condemns and rejects the 5th circuit’s ruling that would limit mifepristone availability. The case against mifepristone is groundless, and was fabricated as part of the anti-abortion movement’s efforts to end legal abortion everywhere in this country. Mifepristone is part of a safe and effective regimen for abortion care, and has been safely used by millions since it was approved over 20 years ago.

Advocates for Youth applauds today’s reintroduction of the Health Equity and Access under the Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Families Act of 2023, a bill that seeks to help bridge access to health care for our most impacted communities.

Advocates for Youth applauds the work of youth activists and a coalition of organizations who have worked for years to demonstrate the scientific support and the urgent need for an OTC birth control pill. The FDA’s decision to make Opill available over the counter comes at a time of unprecedented attacks on young people’s health and rights at the federal level and in states across the country.  The science is clear, and the need has never been greater.