Better Wyoming Narrative Guides:
REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM
This narrative guide was created in collaboration with WyoUnited.
GOOD NARRATIVE: THE BASICS
Here’s a basic truth when it comes to creating change: IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU’RE RIGHT.
You might have all the facts and figures in the world, and the moral high ground, but those don’t get people to act. What matters is whether you’re able to persuade someone, using language, values, and messages that resonate with them.
If our movement wants to win state-level policies that improve life for the people of Wyoming, we’re going to need to get on the same page in the way we talk about it.
TOP TIP! Good narrative is built on these values, which Wyomingites tend to share:
Freedom, Community, Honesty, Hardwork, and Pride in the Land.
Some DOs and DON'Ts...
DON’T repeat the opposition’s messaging. This just amplifies their points.
DO “pre-bunk” opposition messaging: know your opposition's messaging, and neutralize it in advance if you can.
DON’T fixate on crisis messaging or depressing stories. This de-motivates people.
DO tie serious problems to collective, constructive policy solutions.
DON’T just tell stories. Research shows that this makes it harder for your audience to understand the importance of collective solutions, and instead makes them believe that problems are for individuals to solve.
DO use stories to illustrate collective or policy solutions.
DON’T depend on facts and figures. By themselves, these do not help. Moreover, they can easily be misinterpreted.
DO tie facts and figures to shared values, narrative, and solutions. Try to interpret the facts and figures for your audience first, before actually presenting those facts and figures.
DON’T use jargon.
DO use strong, clear, direct communication.
Each section below introduces a top tip for speaking or writing persuasively on the topic of REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM in Wyoming. Each tip is then expanded upon, and examples are provided.
Narrative SUBJECT GUIDE: Reproductive Freedom
Tip # 1: Stick with SHARED VALUES...
It can be uncomfortable to discuss abortion. Attacks on reproductive health care have become so pervasive that the word “abortion” alone is loaded with stigma. When discussing this issue, remember that to be persuasive, you cannot be exclusively concerned with being right.
Shared Value: FREEDOM
Framing discussions about abortion as “reproductive freedom” resonates with Wyomingites.
Abortion is healthcare: when pregnancy complications threaten a mother's life or health, abortion can be life-saving care. Denying people access to reproductive healthcare will only lead to a lack of care or delayed treatment that could imperil their lives.
We have a constitutional right to make our own healthcare decisions.
"Keep the government out of my doctor’s office.”
Trust families to make the decision that’s best for them. Healthcare and family planning decisions should be free from government interference.
Shared Value: COMMUNITY
Young families should feel welcome in Wyoming by having access to the full range of reproductive healthcare in our communities.
We want to recruit and retain qualified medical professionals to Wyoming.
Shared Value: HONESTY
Anti-choice politicians are being dishonest. Banning abortion violates a woman’s constitutional right to make her own healthcare decisions because abortion is healthcare.
Tip # 2: Address PRIVACY & Unregulated Pregnancy Centers...
Unregulated “crisis” pregnancy centers (UPCs) do not address the maternity care desert problem. UPCs are evangelical-based organizations that oppose abortion. They are not required to comply with HIPAA or to be staffed by licensed medical professionals. They do not provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
Tip # 3: Remember that WE ARE THE MAJORITY...
According to a study conducted by Breakthrough Research in the fall of 2023 which surveyed 836 registered Wyoming voters (excluding voters with extreme partisan views on the left or right):
- 70% of moderate voters in Wyoming believe that it is important to keep abortion legal in the state. Many are simply not vocal about the issue.
- 6 in 10 moderate Republicans support the right to abortion.
- Abortion bans and laws that restrict abortion access are unpopular with Wyoming voters.
- People can be personally against abortion and still support access to abortion.
- Despite Wyoming’s far-right reputation, the majority of moderate voters think politicians have gone too far
in banning abortion, and 8 in 10 don’t want the government involved.
Always remember that though the anti-choice crowd is loud, they are in the minority. Sharing your stories and talking with your neighbors and community members about reproductive freedom helps de-stigmatize abortion. We are fighting for a Wyoming where everyone has access to the reproductive care they need, free from government interference.
Tip # 4: Use Better Wyoming's communications team!
Want an extra pair of eyes on what you've written? Email your piece to info@betterwyo.org, and we'll make sure it gets forwarded to the right person.