Ruth’s List Florida backs Jasmen Rogers-Shaw in primary challenge against Anika Omphroy

Jasmen Rogers-Shaw
The organization appears to be targeting incumbent Democrats who voted for a controversial abortion bill.

Ruth’s List Florida is endorsing Jasmen Rogers-Shaw as she mounts a Democratic primary challenge against incumbent Rep. Anika Omphroy.

“The fight for reproductive rights highlights the intersections of power, class, and race,” Rogers -Shaw said.

“I am proud and grateful to be endorsed by Ruth’s List Florida and to continue the work of solidifying our commitment to fight for all Floridians to have access to the full scope of reproductive care.”

Ruth’s List Florida aims to help pro-choice Democratic women get elected. This cycle, the organization appears to be targeting incumbent Democrats who voted for a controversial abortion bill last Session.

The legislation (SB 404) requires minors to obtain parental consent — with some exceptions — before undergoing an abortion.

Omphroy was one of five Democrats who voted for the legislation.

Ruth’s List Florida has already rescinded its endorsement of another one of those Democrats — Rep. Patricia Williams of House District 92. Pam Goodman, the CEO and President of Ruth’s List Florida, said the bill was an inappropriate infringement on a woman’s right to choose.

“Ruth’s List is founded on the principle that women must have the freedom to make their own medical decisions,” Goodman said. “Clearly, Ms. Williams does not share that position — despite her promise to us that she was a pro-choice leader.”

Rogers-Shaw said she fits that bill.

“I am running to ensure that House District 95 has true representation for all that we are — elders on a fixed income, immigrants cultivating safety and stability, young people invested in bright futures, hard-working families that deserve to thrive, low-income residents looking for affordable ways to take care of themselves and their families, business owners looking for community,” Rogers-Shaw said.

“As the daughter of a Baptist minister, I understand the power of faith through action in the political system. We are called to act on behalf of the most vulnerable, to bring justice and equity at all levels. I am running to ensure that House District 95 has true representation, and I am dedicated to building power in the Florida Legislature by lifting every voice.”

Rogers-Shaw previously served as a Florida staffer on Elizabeth Warren‘s unsuccessful 2020 presidential bid.

HD 95 spans portions of Broward County including North Lauderdale, Sunrise and Lauderhill.

Ryan Nicol

Ryan Nicol covers news out of South Florida for Florida Politics. Ryan is a native Floridian who attended undergrad at Nova Southeastern University before moving on to law school at Florida State. After graduating with a law degree he moved into the news industry, working in TV News as a writer and producer, along with some freelance writing work. If you'd like to contact him, send an email to [email protected].


6 comments

  • Patti Lynn

    May 7, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    Ruth’s List had made the correct decision. I have had my differences with Jasmen Rogers-Shaw, however, true DEMOCRATS support a woman’s right to choose. I support Democrats who support women

    • Tam Haporin

      May 7, 2020 at 4:11 pm

      Have you read the Bill Patty Lynn. We are talking about Children 17 and under. Children can’t have any other surgery without parental consent. Parents should know if their minor child is pregnant. Let’s remember this is not anti abortion it’s protecting minor children. Your just mad cause Rep Omphroy didn’t support your former boss Sheriff Israel’s return.

  • morstar

    May 7, 2020 at 1:57 pm

    “Ruth’s List is founded on the principle that women must have the freedom to make their own medical decisions,”

    That’s the political line they spin. The legislation that was passed does not prohibit abortion. It raises the issue of parental rights, a competing right to the right to privacy of a minor over her parent that abortion supporters demand. Simply put, before a minor child is allowed to vacuum an unborn baby out of a minor’s womb, the parents should be notified.

    Apparently, according to Ruth’s List, minors should be able to engage in risk adverse sexually behavior without the parent knowing. Nevermind the racial undertones of the abortion industry that is responsible for over 19 million African-American abortions. Let’s imagine how different this world would be if persons of color were not required to bond themselves to the very industry that prevents their growth.

    Instead, the political powers demand that people of color tie themselves to a political agenda that is contrary to their profound religious beliefs. It’s diabolical. Thank goodness for people like Anika Omphroy and Patricia Williams who are able to stand on their own and support parental rights over an abortion industry that has devastated their community.

    What really bothers Pam Goodman, the CEO of Ruth’s List, is that these forward thinking representatives actually think for themselves and will not be deterred in supporting a parent whose minor child has engaged in behavior that can be life altering. Parental guidance is a good thing and something a minor child in that position needs.

    • Scheril

      May 7, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      This is a correct assessment. It is a sham reason given for a multi-tiered agenda to silence diverse voices in the legislature

  • Scheril

    May 7, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    Ruth’s List attacks INCUMBENT BLACK WOMEN. It has been their consistent approach under the guise of being pro woman. Check the track record. The subject legislation was not about women’s reproductive rights. It was about CHILDRENS reproductive rights. It’s pretty sad that people are not fact checking the actual legislation and they are running with a false narrative.

  • Scheril

    May 7, 2020 at 3:32 pm

    This is a correct assessment. It is a sham reason given for a multi-tiered agenda to silence diverse voices in the legislature

Comments are closed.


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