On Fourth Anniversary of Deadly Dobbs Decision, 150+ Patient Advocates from Across the Country Travel to Washington, DC for Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill

WASHINGTON, DC –– This June, to mark the fourth anniversary of the deadly Dobbs decision which eliminated access to abortion for millions of people nationwide, Free & Just will bring more than 150 patient storytellers, health care providers, and abortion rights advocates to Washington, DC for Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill. Every day, extremists launch new attacks on access to all types of reproductive care, including medication abortion, forcing patients and providers to navigate a complex and ever-changing legal landscape.

Advocates from more than 35 states across the country, including high-profile patient storytellers like Amanda Zurawski, and USA Today’s 2025 Women of the Year honoree, Hadley Duvall, and families of loved ones killed by abortion bans will meet with members of Congress to share how attacks on abortion and reproductive freedom continue to harm women, families, and their communities and highlight why protecting abortion access remains a priority for millions of Americans. 

Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill will feature storytellers and health care providers living on the frontlines of attacks on reproductive freedom in states like Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Missouri. Some participants have experience sharing their stories publicly, but many will be sharing their stories for the first time. 

“Extremists were never going to stop at overturning Roe, and four years after the deadly Dobbs decision, they are working overtime to ban abortion everywhere – even in states where it is currently protected,” said Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just. “From appointing to dangerous extremists to lead important federal agencies, to stacking our courts with radical anti-abortion judges and weaponizing federal power to limit access to lifesaving care, attacks on our freedom are mounting. Free & Just is honored to partner with courageous storytellers to mark the anniversary of the deadly Dobbs decision and expose the deadly cost of abortion bans and attacks on reproductive freedom.”

Four years after the deadly Dobbs decision, women and men affected by attacks on our freedom are standing up to extremists, and highlighting the reality of what’s really at stake. 

For more information about Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill and opportunities to connect with storytellers visit https://www.freeandjust.us/abortion-stories-on-the-hill, or contact kelly@freeandjust.us. 

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

BREAKING: SCOTUS Gives Anti-Abortion Extremists Cover Just Months Before Midterms

Medication abortion to remain available via telehealth and mail (for now)  

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today, the US Supreme Court temporarily paused the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ May 1 ruling that prohibited patients from receiving abortion medication by mail or at a pharmacy after receiving care through telemedicine. While medication abortion remains available for now, extremists continue to plot vicious new attacks on reproductive freedom in hopes of banning abortion nationally. Meanwhile, patients and providers must continue to navigate a complex and ever-changing legal landscape.

In response to today’s decision, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement:

“While medication abortion is still available for now, anti-abortion extremists remain hellbent on banning abortion nationwide –– even in states where it is currently protected. Lawmakers eager to avoid talking about abortion before November may be breathing a sigh of relief tonight, but we know what’s really at stake and will continue to stand up to attacks on our freedom.”

If you are interested in speaking with patients, physicians, or advocates about the implications of today’s SCOTUS action, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us.

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Mini Timmaraju, Patients, and Providers Respond to Latest in Plot to Ban Medication Abortion

WATCH HERE

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO, Reproductive Freedom for All, joined Free & Just, patients and legal experts to discuss the latest in Louisiana v. FDA, the largest threat to abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned. 

On May 11, the US Supreme Court extended the administrative stay issued on May 4, temporarily restoring access to mifepristone. The Court’s administrative stay ends Thursday, May 14 at 5pm ET, when the Court could make a ruling on whether the in-person dispensing requirements can be reimposed while the case proceeds. Right now, access to care for more than 64.5 million people across the country hangs in the balance as judges and politicians work to ban abortion nationwide. 

“Louisiana’s attempt to reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement for abortion medication is not about safety –– it’s about limiting access to the reproductive health care that patients need, when they need it,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who chairs the Abortion Rights and Access Task Force of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “I almost died in childbirth when I developed placenta previa, and I was grateful that my doctor could make the decision that she felt was necessary at that moment – without fear of prosecution. Today, my daughter and millions of others do not have that peace of mind.”

“Republican lawmakers know this is a losing issue for them, and it seems they’re only accountable to anti-abortion extremist groups –– not their own constituents, the majority of whom support legal access to abortion,” said Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All. “This administration wants it both ways – they want to cater to extremists, but they don’t want to be caught doing it.”

“When I traveled to Washington to get the care I needed after Idaho’s trigger ban was put in place, I received abortion medications to induce labor, which is common in situations like mine,” said Kayla Smith, who moved her family from Idaho to Washington after being forced to flee the state for lifesaving abortion care. “We know that these medications are safe and everyone who needs them should have access. Denying access to medication abortion via mail is completely unnecessary, asinine, and will only make things worse for women and patients across the country — including in states like Washington.” 

“For some reason, women’s health is inherently political in this country. Politicians are acting as if they know more about practicing medicine than health care providers — but they don’t,” said Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an OB/GYN and advocate from Wisconsin. “Mifepristone is safe and it is effective. It has a 25 year track record in this country and has been more studied than most medications on the market. When somebody is telling you otherwise, they are not following science, they are following a political agenda.”

If you are interested in speaking with any of the participants in the press event, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us. 

You can watch the virtual press event here, and learn more about how Republican officials plan to restrict reproductive freedom here.

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

BREAKING: SCOTUS Punts Decision on Medication Abortion as Millions of Patients and Providers Hold Their Breath

Louisiana v. FDA could ban medication abortion even in states where it is legal and protected 

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today, the US Supreme Court extended the administrative stay issued in Louisiana v. FDA on May 4 which temporarily restores access to the abortion medication, mifepristone. The Court’s administrative stay ends Thursday, May 14 at 5pm ET, when the Court could make a ruling on whether the in-person dispensing requirements can be reimposed while the case continues to sow chaos and uncertainty for women and families across the country.

Abortion medication currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of abortions across the country; banning access to medication abortion could eliminate care for 64.5 million people across the country. The news comes amid mounting pressure from extremist groups and Republican lawmakers eager to ban medication abortion nationwide – even in states where it is currently legally protected. 

In response to ongoing attacks on access to medication abortion, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement:

“Today’s Supreme Court order extending the administrative stay in FDA v. Louisiana leaves millions of patients and health care providers across the country in limbo. But it doesn’t change the truth: medication abortion is safe, and the politically motivated campaign to restrict it puts every American’s health at risk. Free & Just will keep uplifting the stories of women, patients, and providers paying the price for these deadly abortion bans.” 

On Tuesday, May 12 at 10am ET, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Dr. Kristin Lyerly will join Free & Just, patients, and legal experts to discuss the latest in Louisiana v. FDA, the largest threat to abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned. 

Register to attend the Zoom event (Registration required).

If you are interested in speaking with patient and physician storytellers about the impacts of abortion bans and restricting access to medication abortion, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us and malachi@freeandjust.us.  

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

Anti-Abortion Extremists are Manipulating the Courts to Ban Abortion Medication Nationwide for Millions of Women & Patients

WASHINGTON, DC –– Last Friday, the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals granted the state of Louisiana’s request to reinstate an outdated restriction that abortion medication only be dispensed in person. This ban revoked the distribution of abortion medication via telehealth or mail. Today, the Supreme Court of the United States temporarily restored access to ban on medication abortion. This administrative stay will temporarily restore access until Monday, May 11th, while the Court reviews the emergency appeals. 

The news comes amid mounting pressure from extremist groups and anti-abortion activists eager to ban medication abortion nationwide – even in states where it is currently legally protected. Abortion medication currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of abortions across the country; restricting access to medication abortion could eliminate care for 64.5 million people across the country. 

Survey data released in December 2025 shows that while most Americans are unaware of looming attacks on medication abortion, a majority oppose policies designed to restrict access to medication abortion. 

In response to the latest attacks on access to medication abortion, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement:

“No matter the specifics of the ruling, one fact remains: Mifepristone has been recognized as safe and effective since the FDA approved it more than 25 years ago, and it has continued to be safe and effective for millions who have used it for abortion care and miscarriage management. Right now, we are witnessing attacks on abortion from all levels of government, with the ultimate goal of banning abortion nationwide. This ruling is just another attempt to restrict access to abortion and sow chaos, delay care, and scare patients. Even in states where abortion is legal and protected, the court has stripped away women’s ability to access telehealth that has been used safely for years. Women and patients across the country deserve to have access to abortion care, and Free & Just remains dedicated to telling their stories.” 

Bottomline: Despite over twenty years of evidence-based research confirming that mifepristone is safe and effective, anti-abortion extremists are using every tool at their disposal to weaponize our democratic institutions to ban abortion nationwide. 

Free & Just is committed to fighting for reproductive freedom. Join us in sharing stories, raising voices, and securing our future. 

If you are interested in speaking with patient and physician storytellers about the impacts of abortion bans and restricting access to medication abortion, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us and malachi@freeandjust.us.  

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

State Senator Kelda Roys & Abortion Storytellers Spotlight Attacks on Reproductive Freedom in Wisconsin and Nationwide

MADISON, WI –– Today, Senator Kelda Roys joined Free & Just for a roundtable to discuss how abortion bans across the country are harming families and highlight new attacks on reproductive freedom. The roundtable was moderated by Dana Pellebon, A Public Affair: WORT Radio Host, and the Executive Director of RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center, who facilitated the conversation around the power of storytelling in today’s political landscape.  

The roundtable kicked off a day of programming for storytellers from across Wisconsin. Hosted by Free & Just, the gathering in Madison was an opportunity for advocates to build community with others impacted by abortion bans. Storytellers strengthened their advocacy skills and heard from local experts and partners about the work they are doing to fight for abortion access in Wisconsin and nationwide.

“We have so many politicians and judges that are hellbent on keeping us from accessing the care we need. We know that opponents of abortion are absolutely relentless with their attacks, and we can see it in the court decision that came back yesterday where a federal appeals court has now suspended access to medication abortion by mail,” said Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys. “Medication abortion has been a critical lifeline especially for women that are in low access states or states with bans on care. This is a critically important issue for women’s lives and it touches on all the other things that are top tier issues: whether it’s healthcare, affordability in the economy, and certainly our fundamental rights and freedoms in a time of authoritarianism and fascism.” 

“We need to keep talking and telling our stories so that people in our communities realize that everyone who needs it should have access to abortion care,” said Heather Martell, a patient storyteller who was forced to travel to receive abortion care. “The way the administration — not just Trump, but Ron Johnson and Tom Tiffany — phrase bans as protecting women is absolute garbage. They use ‘protecting women’ as a way to rally their base and gaslight their opponents. If they wanted to protect women they would have prioritized passing legislation that ensured women would have equal rights. If you want to protect women you start with actual tangible changes to sexual abuse and dometic violence laws, and support women in Wisconsin in the courts and family law. But they don’t care about protecting women.” 

“When you’re talking about reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy, you’re also talking about socioeconomic realities because this is an intersectional conversation for so many people. We live in one of the most restrictive states in the country which means that we make abortion more time-consuming, more painful, and often resort to things that are medically unnecessary just to receive care,” said Ali Muldrow, Executive Director of the Women's Medical Fund Wisconsin. “The average American can’t afford a $400 car payment, so the idea that you can afford a medical emergency is out of reach for most women and patients. Healthcare is a human right and making sure that no one is denied access to an abortion because they can’t afford it is something we need to be talking about on a regular basis.” 

“I want lawmakers to know that the effects of these abortion bans extend even wider and farther than they realize. I’m a disabled woman and I have pre-existing health conditions that impacted my pregnancy. The effects of the amount of blood I lost during my pregnancy and lost my daughter I’m still dealing with today,” said Laurel Marcinkus, patient storyteller who required abortion care to save her life. “After my daughter died, I was mentally in the darkest place that I had ever been in. These anti-abortion lawmakers need to understand that the effects of these abortion bans not only threaten our lives at the moment, but cause lasting effects on the rest of our lives.”  

You can watch the event here. If you are interested in speaking with any of the participants in the press event, please contact Malachi White (malachi@freeandjust.us).  

Free & Just is committed to fighting for reproductive freedom. Join us in sharing stories, raising voices, and securing our future. 

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

NEW DATA: Abortion Bans Are Costing Women Their Lives

Data reinforces that state abortion bans are killing women — Trump and extremists want a national abortion ban.

WASHINGTON, DC –– New data from the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins University spotlights that women are dying at higher rates in states with abortion bans. Their latest research cites a 9.2% increase in pregnancy-associated deaths — an estimated 68 excess deaths by the end of 2023 in states where abortion is banned. The study finds that stripping abortion care and reproductive freedom will greatly undermine any progress towards addressing the U.S. maternal mortality crisis. 

“Pregnancy is more dangerous than ever because of extreme abortion bans. Since Dobbs, women are dying at higher rates and being forced into impossible decisions just to get care,” said Veronica Ingham, Managing Director of Free & Just. “Instead of protecting patients, Trump and Republican lawmakers are pushing to ban abortion nationwide — no matter the cost.”

The Trump administration and anti-abortion extremists are using any tool available to ban abortion nationwide — even in states where it is legally protected — putting more lives at risk. From weaponizing federal agencies to gut access to medication abortion, to sneaking new national abortion restrictions into critical health care legislation, and undermining federal protections for lifesaving care, the consequences of attacks on reproductive freedom are deadly and impact everyone.

If you are interested in speaking to health care providers or patient storytellers who have received abortion care or denied lifesaving care, please contact Kelly Rimar kelly@freeandjust.us and Malachi White malachi@freeandjust.us. 

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

Senate Republicans Vote to Uphold Trump’s Abortion Ban for Women Veterans

Republican lawmakers leave 460,000 women who served the country without access to abortion care. 

WASHINGTON, DC ––  Last night, Senate Republicans voted to uphold Trump’s federal abortion ban for veterans and their families — stripping reproductive freedom from women who fought for our freedoms. The policy blocks access to abortion care and counseling through the the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, even in cases of rape, incest, or medical emergencies. The move further illustrates how Republican lawmakers are committed to pushing their dangerous agenda including installing a national abortion ban. 

Last year, the Trump administration covertly banned abortion care for women veterans at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, rolling back the Biden-era protections. 

The Trump administration is pulling every lever at their disposal to ban abortion — even in states where it is legally protected. Trump and Senate Republicans continue to bend the knee to anti-abortion extremists despite attacks on care putting lives at risk everyday.

From weaponizing federal agencies to gut access to medication abortion, to sneaking new national abortion restrictions into critical health care legislation and undermining federal protections for lifesaving care, the consequences of attacks on reproductive freedom are deadly and impact everyone, including veterans.

Veronica Ingham, Managing Director of Free & Just, Veronica Ingham released the following statement:

“Last night, Republican lawmakers sided with anti-abortion extremists over veterans who have bravely served this country. Instead of focusing on lowering costs and ensuring Americans can afford health care, Republicans are fixated on gutting access to abortion. Right now, anti-abortion lawmakers are reaffirming their commitment to pushing their dangerous agenda. They are willing to leave thousands of veterans and their families without care — even when faced with horrific or life threatening situations. Republican priorities are painfully clear, and they will stop at nothing to enact a nationwide abortion ban — no matter the cost.” 

If you are interested in speaking to storytellers about the impacts of the administration's attacks on abortion care for veterans, please contact Malachi White, malachi@freeandjust.us.

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

ICYMI: Patients and Advocates from Across the Country Joined Free & Just and Democratic Women’s Caucus Members for “Conversations Across America” Event

WATCH HERE

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today, patients and advocates from across the country joined Free & Just and members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus for a virtual event to discuss how attacks on women's reproductive rights are affecting women across the country and how we can work together to protect and expand the economic security, health, and safety of all women and girls.

Abortion bans are killing women, and instead of taking steps to lower costs and protect access to care, Trump and Republicans are catering to anti-abortion extremists and working to roll back our rights even further. Every woman deserves access to quality, affordable health care and the freedom to make her own reproductive health care choices. 

“I've talked to women who have moved to Colorado from other states with abortion restrictions because they had high risk pregnancies. They didn't want to be left to die if something terrible happened,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-7). “I think that it is so important that we continue to bring abortion care to the forefront to remind people what women are going through across the country.”

“I was working at Planned Parenthood before I got into politics, and it was the 2016 election that catalyzed me to jump into elected office because I realized I couldn't raise enough money to protect abortion access and I needed to do it at the policy level,” said Rep. Emily Randall (WA-6). “No one should have to drive hundreds of miles to access health care. Everything this administration is doing is making it harder to access health care, including and especially abortion care.” 

“Savannah is my home. I was raised under these live oak trees, and anti-abortion extremists aren’t going to make me a stranger in my own land. I was denied care that my doctor said that I needed immediately and I had to fight and beg and scramble in the worst moment of my life because of a law written by people who will never face what I faced. That's what we're living with in Georgia right now, and it makes me furious,” said Callie Beale Harper, a patient storyteller from Georgia who was forced to travel for lifesaving abortion care. “I tell my story as much as possible and sometimes that looks like speaking and encouraging women like me to share their stories. Sometimes it means infiltrating conservative church groups because I want them to see my face. I want them to see my daughter's face. I want them to see how much I love my children and want my children. That what happened to me can and will happen to them. That if they were in my shoes and faced with the decision that I was faced with, they would want the option for their daughter, granddaughter, best friend to have immediate care.”

“I think it's very important to make sure that people know their rights. If somebody is out of state, maybe they can access abortion care in New York or in a state that doesn't have an abortion ban. And then understanding what those steps look like to be able to access care after they've made that choice to seek care,” said Sunni Rudd, a patient storyteller and content creator from New York who received medication abortion care. “Sometimes low income communities will write themselves off before they've even looked into options because it is exhausting jumping through all of those hoops. A lot of the people in my comments are trying to find comprehensive information and I work really hard to point them in the right direction.”

You can watch the full event here. If you are interested in speaking with any of the participants in the event, or learning more about Free & Just, please contact malachi@freeandjust.us.

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ICYMI: Families of Women Who Died Under Georgia's Abortion Ban Join Providers at Oscar-Nominated Film Screening in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA –– This week, Free & Just and The Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation hosted a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary short, THE DEVIL IS BUSY, which follows staff at an Atlanta abortion clinic as they navigate Georgia’s extreme abortion ban. Ahead of the Oscars ceremony, this event brought together health care workers, advocates, and families living the reality it depicts.

The screening comes as Georgia faces mounting scrutiny over its six-week abortion ban. Last fall, ProPublica reported that two women, Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller, died preventable deaths after delays in care caused by the state's ban. Georgia's Maternal Mortality Review Committee confirmed the deaths were avoidable. Soon after, state officials quietly dismissed the entire committee. 

“Every politician needs to see this film, especially the ones who took a victory lap when Roe v. Wade was overturned,” said Shanette Williams, whose daughter, Amber Nicole Thurman, lost her life as a result of Georgia’s abortion ban. “They need to understand what they’ve done. My daughter is gone, and the same people who helped overturn Roe v. Wade told me they’re sorry for my loss. It means nothing. We need action.” 

“My sister was not able to get the care she needed, and now her three children are growing up without their mom. Georgia’s abortion ban has torn apart the fabric of our family,” said Turiya Tomlin-Randall, whose sister, Candi Miller, died of sepsis while waiting for care in 2022. “I want lawmakers to think about the children left behind, and understand what they have done to families like mine.”

“I worked at this clinic before Roe was overturned and after, and I am pissed,” said Aneisha “AJ” Jacobs, WHGRNP-BC, the Director of Nursing at the Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation. “My job is not to judge anyone. My job is to make sure our patients are safe and are able to receive the care they need. Georgia’s abortion ban is making our job as nurses harder.”

“This film will reach hundreds of thousands of people, and will keep abortion on their mind and help us have conversations that need to be had to save women’s lives,” said Suki O, an ultrasound technician and abortion care provider in the Atlanta area. “We have no choice but to fight. We have to uplift women’s voices, and continue advocating to get legislation changed.”

“Bring your brothers, bring your dads, and your friends to see this film,” said Crista Irwin, PhD, RN, the Research and Education Coordinator at the Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation. “We’re in this together and it is going to take all of us to change things in Georgia.”

You can watch the panel here. If you are interested in speaking with any of the participants in the event, or learning more about Free & Just, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us.

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