Fighting Abortion Laws: Strategies For Resistance And Change

The fight for abortion rights is a global issue, with an overwhelming trend towards the liberalization of abortion laws. In the last 30 years, more than 60 countries and territories have liberalized their abortion laws, with abortion rights being recognized as fundamental human rights. However, the regression of abortion rights in some countries, notably the United States, serves as a stark outlier to this trend. The criminalization and restriction of abortion laws present significant barriers for people seeking abortions, leading to unsafe abortions and negative consequences for their health, economic well-being, and ability to determine their future.

The fight against restrictive abortion laws takes various forms, including litigation, advocacy, and people power. In the United States, the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 removed nationwide protections for abortion rights, leading to a mix of criminalization and strengthened protections at the state level. Despite this setback, abortion rights supporters remain committed to fighting for their right to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures. They are joined by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which work to protect and expand abortion access worldwide.

The battle over abortion rights is not just legal but also cultural and political. Anti-abortion activists and religious groups exert influence, and public figures and businesses have threatened to divest from states enacting anti-abortion legislation. Ultimately, the goal of those fighting for abortion rights is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, financial situation, or identity, has access to safe and legal abortion services.

Protest and spread awareness

Protests

• Amnesty International USA protested for abortion rights near the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on March 26, 2024.
• Pro-choice and anti-abortion protestors faced off in front of the Supreme Court during protests in May 2022.
• Voters in Michigan, Kentucky, Vermont, California, and across the country demonstrated their commitment to protecting reproductive freedom and abortion access by voting against anti-abortion ballot initiatives and in favour of affirmative measures.
• Women's rights groups in Poland organised a national women's strike on October 3, 2016, to protest against attempts to ban all abortions.
• Women in Turkey protested in large numbers against President Erdogan's threats to restrict abortion laws in 2012, successfully preventing changes to the law.

Spreading Awareness

• Amnesty International is raising awareness about the removal of abortion information by tech giants like Meta and TikTok, which prevents people from accessing life-saving information.
• Public figures like Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, and actors such as Amy Schumer, Ben Stiller, and Alec Baldwin, have threatened to divest from states enacting anti-abortion legislation.
• Netflix has stated that it would "rethink" its operations in Georgia if the state's six-week abortion ban takes effect.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has spoken out against "heartbeat bills," stating that the name is misleading regarding the detection of a foetal heartbeat.
• Reverend Marie Alford-Harkey, a Christian pastor and CEO of the Religious Institute, advocates for reproductive justice, which recognises the interconnection between gender equality, sexual and reproductive rights, and social justice.
• The Guttmacher Institute, a pro-choice group researching sexual and reproductive health, has shed light on the unprecedented wave of anti-abortion bills across the US.

Support organisations fighting for abortion rights

There are many organisations fighting for abortion rights, and they are active on a variety of fronts, from providing medical services to legal advocacy, grassroots activism, and political lobbying.

National Organisations

Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of reproductive health services in the US, including abortions. They also provide cancer and COVID-19 screenings, contraception access, health, natal support, sexual dysfunction support, psychological services, STD screenings and treatment, sexual assault support, and counselling.

The Democratic Party is one of America's two major political parties and supports liberal policies, including abortion access.

EMILY's List is a political action committee (PAC) that aims to help elect Democratic female candidates in favour of abortion rights to office.

The Freedom Socialist Party is a socialist feminist party that defends free elective abortion care, no forced sterilisation, gender-affirming healthcare, and bodily autonomy for all.

The Green Party of the United States promotes green politics, including support for elective abortion care and contraception.

The Peace and Freedom Party is a left-wing party that supports environmentalism, aboriginal rights, rights to sexuality, government-funded healthcare, a woman's right to an abortion, public education, subsidised housing, and a socialist-run economy.

The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religion that campaigns for reproductive rights.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Republicans for Choice is a PAC consisting of Republican Party members who support abortion rights.

The Wish List is a PAC aiming to elect Republican female candidates in favour of abortion rights to office.

Religious Organisations

Catholics for Choice is a pro-abortion rights Catholic advocacy group.

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is an interfaith abortion rights organisation founded in 1973 after Roe v. Wade.

Professional Associations

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is a professional association of physicians specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology.

The National Abortion Federation is the professional association of abortion providers. They connect abortion patients, providers, researchers, and advocates to provide safe, easily accessible, and affordable abortions to women across the nation. They also have a hotline for women who are urgently in need, require information, or are looking to connect with reproductive healthcare professionals.

The Feminist Abortion Network is a national consortium of independent, feminist, not-for-profit abortion care providers.

The National Coalition of Abortion Providers is a defunct trade association that represented independent abortion providers.

Grassroots Organisations

The National Network of Abortion Funds is a network of nearly 100 abortion funds. They work with over 80 organisations across the United States to provide abortion access and reproductive resources despite any financial and logistical obstacles.

The National Black Women's Reproductive Agenda specifically assists Black women, who are disproportionately impacted by poverty in the United States and face a greater gender-based wage gap than their white counterparts, in accessing abortion and reproductive care.

The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice strives to educate Latinx communities about abortion access and reproductive justice and ensure all people have access to safe contraception and abortions regardless of socioeconomic status, immigration status, race, and linguistic ability.

The Guttmacher Institute is based upon three pillars to support abortion access in the U.S.: high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy, and strategic communications.

The National Women's Law Center works on a number of fronts to support access to abortion across America, including co-authoring legislation regarding women's rights, working with media outlets and the entertainment industry to prevent misinformation, and litigation in favour of reproductive freedom.

The National Council of Jewish Women has led protests, lobbied for reproductive equality, and met with political leaders to ensure that women across the country have access to safe abortions, regardless of income, religion, and race.

Legal Advocacy Organisations

The Center for Reproductive Rights is the only global legal advocacy organisation dedicated to advancing reproductive rights. They work closely with the United Nations across five countries to protect women's bodies and address issues that protect and advance women's reproductive health, self-determination, and dignity as basic human rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is one of the most prominent and impactful civil rights organisations in the country. They are currently filling litigation in trigger states as well as states likely to ban abortions, and are lobbying on both the federal and state levels for measures to protect reproductive justice.

The Legal Alliance for Reproductive Rights is a coalition of United States law firms offering free legal services to people seeking and providing abortions.

International Organisations

Ipas is an international organisation that strives to create "a world where every person has bodily autonomy and can determine their own future." Their work includes political action in the United States and in developing countries to ensure that women everywhere have access to safe, high-quality abortion care and after-care.

MSI United States is a US non-profit supporting MSI Reproductive Choices, an international NGO providing safe abortion, family planning, and other reproductive health services to more than 23 million people annually in 36 countries across 6 continents.

Donate to abortion funds

Donating to abortion funds is a direct way to help fight abortion laws and support people seeking abortions. Abortion funds are grassroots organisations that provide financial assistance and other support to people seeking abortions. They help to address the barriers that prevent people from accessing abortions, such as the cost of the procedure, transportation to clinics, and accommodation while receiving treatment.

There are many abortion funds across the United States that you can donate to, each serving different regions and communities. Here are some examples of abortion funds that you can support:

Access Reproductive Care-Southeast (ARC Southeast)

ARC Southeast supports people in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee by providing funding and logistical support to ensure safe reproductive care, including abortion services.

Kentucky Health Justice Network

The Kentucky Health Justice Network assists those seeking abortions by offering financial aid, transportation, and more. They also host workshops on reproductive justice to spread awareness and educate communities.

Whole Woman's Health Alliance - Stigma Relief Fund

Based in Virginia, this fund helps individuals who cannot afford the full cost of an abortion. They also work to combat the stigma surrounding abortions.

The Afiya Centre (TAC)

Founded and directed by Black women, The Afiya Centre in North Texas provides women with programs and resources for reproductive justice, HIV and abortion access education, and maternal mortality support.

Carolina Abortion Fund (CAF)

The Carolina Abortion Fund works with clinics in North and South Carolina to provide grants to patients who cannot afford the full cost of an abortion.

Northwest Abortion Access Fund

This fund serves those living in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska by helping people pay for their abortion care. They also assist with transportation to and from clinics and finding safe accommodation for those receiving treatment.

Reproductive Freedom Fund of New Hampshire

This group provides direct financial support to individuals in New Hampshire who need help finding a provider and require financial assistance.

New York Abortion Access Fund

The New York Abortion Access Fund supports anyone living in or travelling to New York who is unable to pay for an abortion. They provide financial assistance and connect individuals with other helpful resources.

Reclaim MI WIN Fund

This fund provides financial assistance for additional costs associated with abortions, including medications, transportation, and childcare.

By donating to these and other reputable abortion funds, you can directly support people seeking abortions and help protect abortion access. It is important to research and verify the legitimacy of any fund before donating to ensure your donation is reaching those in need and aligning with your intended cause.

Share your story

I'm sharing my story because I believe that abortion is essential healthcare and a basic human right. I want to help achieve real and effective change, and I know that this will be brought about by countless acts of support, both big and small.

I live in the United States, where abortion laws are becoming increasingly restrictive. I have seen the devastating consequences that these laws are having on people's lives, particularly those from marginalised communities. I believe that everyone should be free to exercise their bodily autonomy and make their own decisions about their reproductive lives.

I first got involved in the fight for abortion rights after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, removing nationwide protections for abortion rights. I was outraged that politicians were being given the power to make decisions about my body and my future. I knew that I had to take action and join the strong abortion rights movement that was already in place. I began by volunteering for organisations such as Planned Parenthood Action Fund, who are fighting for the rights of all people to live the life they choose.

I have also been involved in protests and demonstrations, standing up for what I believe in and making my voice heard. I know that this is a perilous moment for our rights, but I am committed to continuing the fight through litigation, advocacy, and people power. I have donated to organisations such as Amnesty International, who are working across the globe to ensure that pregnant people, not politicians, make decisions about pregnancies.

I have also used my social media platforms to spread awareness and educate others about abortion rights. I believe that it is important to have these conversations with friends and family, even if they are difficult. I want to help break down the stigma surrounding abortion and show that the majority of Americans support the right to abortion.

I know that this is a long-term fight, but I am committed to doing everything I can to protect abortion rights, both for myself and for future generations. I will continue to use my voice and my platform to stand up for what I believe in. Together, we can create a future where abortion rights are respected and accessible to all.

Vote for candidates who support abortion rights

Voting for candidates who support abortion rights is a powerful way to fight for reproductive justice and protect the autonomy of individuals to make decisions about their bodies and futures. Here are some ways to ensure your vote counts in favour of abortion rights:

Inform Yourself

Before casting your vote, it is essential to be well-informed about the candidates and their positions on abortion rights. Research the candidates running in your district or state, and seek out their stances on abortion. Look for candidates who explicitly support abortion rights and are committed to protecting and expanding access to safe and legal abortions.

Get Registered

Ensure you are registered to vote in your state. Many organizations, such as Vote Pro-Choice, provide resources to help voters with registration, election information, and comprehensive voter guides. These guides offer recommendations at every level of the ballot, so you can make informed choices.

Vote Strategically

In some cases, you may find that there is no candidate who fully aligns with your views on abortion rights. In such situations, consider voting strategically by supporting the candidate who is most likely to protect abortion rights, even if they don't align with all your other values. This is especially important in swing states or districts where the outcome could significantly impact abortion legislation.

Support Pro-Choice Candidates

Beyond simply casting your vote, actively support candidates who champion abortion access and comprehensive reproductive healthcare. This can include volunteering for their campaigns, donating to their election funds, or spreading the word about their platforms within your community.

Stay Engaged Beyond Election Day

Remember that the fight for abortion rights doesn't end on Election Day. Stay engaged and informed about ongoing battles over abortion legislation at the local, state, and national levels. Contact your elected officials, join protests, and support organizations like Planned Parenthood that are dedicated to protecting reproductive rights.

By voting for candidates who support abortion rights, you can help shape policies that respect the autonomy, health, and lives of individuals. It is a powerful act of resistance against restrictive abortion laws and a step towards ensuring safe and accessible abortions for all who need them.

Frequently asked questions