At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are privileged to highlight volunteers who are strong in their dedication to advancing justice. This month, we recognize Lindsay Polega for her exceptional work in reproductive rights advocacy. Through her involvement with the League of Women Voters (LWV), the Jane Network, and pro bono cases protecting access to reproductive health clinics, Lindsay has become a vital force in Florida’s fight for reproductive justice.
Leading Through Education: The League of Women Voters
When asked what inspired her to volunteer with L4GG, Hailey pointed to the significance of current events.
As Co-Chair of the Reproductive Rights Action Team for the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, Lindsay has spearheaded innovative initiatives to educate the public. She organized a virtual panel series on reproductive rights, featuring legal experts, healthcare providers, and faith leaders. These panels tackled issues like abortion access and legal frameworks, while addressing pervasive misinformation about exceptions for rape and incest.
The panels reached hundreds of participants and remain a resource for ongoing education. To learn more, visit the LWV Reproductive Rights Action Team or explore the recordings on YouTube.
Protecting Minors: The Jane Network
Lindsay’s work with the Jane Network provides essential legal representation for minors navigating Florida’s judicial bypass process. Under Florida law, minors must either obtain parental consent for an abortion or secure a judicial bypass—a challenging and emotionally taxing process that requires minors to prove their maturity or meet exceptions like rape or incest, often under impossibly tight deadlines due to the state’s six-week abortion ban.
The judicial bypass process is cruel and burdensome, particularly for survivors of sexual abuse who are unable to meet the proof requirements,” Lindsay shared.
Lindsay and the Jane Network team work a lot to file emergency petitions, ensuring minors have a chance to access the care they need. This work is critical in a system designed to impose insurmountable barriers, and Lindsay’s advocacy has given young people the support they need in some of their most vulnerable moments.
Advocacy for Reproductive Freedom: The Yes on 4 Campaign
Lindsay has also been a leading voice in the “Yes on 4 campaign”, an initiative to amend the Florida Constitution to protect reproductive rights. Amendment 4 establishes that decisions about abortion remain between a patient and their doctor, free from government interference.
While acknowledging areas for future improvement, such as addressing minors' judicial bypass process, Lindsay emphasizes the importance of this amendment as a foundation for safeguarding reproductive freedom in Florida.
“Amendment 4 is essential to protecting reproductive rights from future legal challenges and bans,” she explained.
Pro Bono Advocacy: Defending Access to Clinics
In addition to her work with the Jane Network, Lindsay has taken on cases involving violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. She represents clinic staff and patients targeted by protestors, securing protective orders to shield them from harassment. This work is vital in ensuring safe access to reproductive healthcare for all.
Building Strength Through Community: The State Legislative Advocacy Academy (SLAA)
Lindsay credits L4GG’s State Legislative Advocacy Academy (SLAA) as a vital resource for her work. The SLAA connects advocates nationwide to share strategies for state-level policy change.
“It’s been inspiring and comforting to meet with other advocates who understand the challenges we face,” Lindsay shared.
Hearing how activists in Georgia overcame similar abortion bans has given her new strategies for her efforts in Florida.
“SLAA is like a safe space—a place to vent, share ideas, and find the motivation to keep going.”
Join Us in Celebrating Lindsay’s Impact
Lindsay’s commitment to reproductive justice highlights the power of advocacy in the face of adversity. From empowering minors to fighting systemic barriers, her work ensures that vulnerable populations have access to the care and rights they deserve.
If you know of another incredible pro bono volunteer, nominate them for our Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month award here!
If you’re interested, consider how you might also make a difference through your skills and passions!