Fight For Choice: Strategies Against Abortion Law Changes

The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States has sparked widespread protests and concerns about the future of abortion rights. The Supreme Court's decision to revoke the constitutional right to abortion has resulted in a wave of new restrictive laws and bans, with politicians aiming to prohibit abortion nationwide. This has serious implications for reproductive rights and access to safe abortions, pushing people to resort to unsafe alternatives. To counter these restrictive laws, various organizations and individuals are taking a stand through donations, protests, education, and political activism. It is essential to recognize that abortion is a basic human right and work towards a future where everyone has the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and future.

Donate to abortion funds and independent abortion clinics

Donating to abortion funds and independent abortion clinics is a direct way to help those seeking abortions access the care they need. Abortion funds are grassroots organisations that provide financial and practical support to people seeking abortions. This support can include transportation, lodging, and language translation services, all of which are critical to ensuring abortion access.

Abortion funds are struggling to meet the growing demand for financial assistance, especially as patients may need to travel across state lines to access abortion services. This has resulted in organisations having to slash their budgets and turn away patients in need.

Donating to abortion funds helps ensure that people can access abortion services and afford the procedure, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It is important to note that abortion funds are facing a decline in donor interest, and your donation can make a significant difference in keeping these organisations running and supporting those in need.

Independent abortion clinics, particularly small, community-based clinics, provide the majority of abortion care in the United States. These clinics are often located in states that are hostile to abortion rights, and your support is crucial to keeping them operational. When a clinic closes, entire communities lose access not only to abortion care but also to other essential reproductive and sexual health services.

Donating to independent abortion clinics helps ensure that communities continue to have access to these vital services. It also helps clinics cover the costs associated with providing abortion care, such as staff salaries, medical supplies, and facility maintenance. Your donation can make a direct impact in supporting these clinics and the people they serve.

Protest and make your voice heard

Protesting is a powerful way to show your support for abortion rights and make your voice heard by policymakers and the public. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Attend rallies and events: Look for events and rallies in your area that support abortion access and attend them. These events provide an opportunity to stand in solidarity with others who share your beliefs and amplify your voice. Websites such as the Center for Reproductive Rights' "We Won't Go Back" map can help you find events near you.
• Speak up and activate your network: Talk to your friends, family, colleagues, and community leaders about why abortion rights are essential. Educate them on the impact of restrictive abortion laws and encourage them to speak up as well. Use your personal and professional networks to spread awareness and create your own messages or share sample posts with relevant hashtags, such as #AbortionIsEssential.
• Engage with policymakers: Contact your local, state, and federal legislators to find out where they stand on abortion rights. Urge them to protect and expand abortion access and support legislation that guarantees these rights. Let them know that you are watching their actions and holding them accountable.
• Join organisations: Organisations such as Amnesty International and Planned Parenthood Action Fund are actively fighting for abortion rights. Join these organisations and support their efforts through volunteering, donating, and participating in their campaigns.
• Participate in elections: Vote for politicians who support abortion rights and oppose those who aim to restrict or ban abortions. Make your voice heard by electing representatives who will protect reproductive rights and ensure access to safe and legal abortions.
• Support independent abortion clinics: Small, community-based clinics often provide the majority of abortion care and are more likely to be located in states hostile to abortion rights. Donate to organisations like Keep Our Clinics to support these clinics and ensure that communities do not lose access to essential reproductive health services.

By protesting and making your voice heard, you can help create a future where every person has the right to make decisions about their body, life, and future.

Speak to your friends, family, and colleagues about the issue

Speaking to your friends, family, and colleagues about the issue is a powerful way to raise awareness and encourage action. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to do this effectively:

Choose an Appropriate Time and Place

Before initiating a conversation about abortion laws, ensure that you are in a private and comfortable setting where you and your conversation partner can speak freely without interruption. This could be during a quiet moment at home, a walk in the park, or over a cup of coffee. Avoid bringing up the topic in a rushed or public setting, as it may not allow for a thoughtful and meaningful discussion.

Share Information and Resources

Educate yourself about the current abortion laws, the potential impact of recent changes, and the historical context surrounding abortion rights. Share reliable information and resources with your friends, family, and colleagues to help them understand the issue. You can refer to websites like Amnesty International, Planned Parenthood, and the Center for Reproductive Rights for factual and up-to-date information. Explain how these laws can affect people's lives and why it's important to take a stand.

Listen and Empathize

When discussing abortion laws with your loved ones, remember to listen actively and empathize with their perspectives. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and may have varying opinions on the topic. Show that you value their thoughts and feelings by creating a safe and non-judgmental space for open dialogue. Be respectful, even if you disagree, and try to understand their viewpoint.

Share Your Perspective

While listening is crucial, it's also important to share your own perspective and explain why you feel strongly about protecting abortion rights. Share personal stories or experiences, if comfortable, to illustrate the impact of these laws on real people's lives. Help them understand the potential consequences of restricted abortion access, such as unsafe procedures or inability to access essential healthcare.

Encourage Action

In addition to sharing information, provide concrete ways for your friends, family, and colleagues to get involved. Suggest donating to organizations like the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), Planned Parenthood, or Keep Our Clinics, which support abortion access and provide essential services. Encourage them to attend rallies, protests, or local events that advocate for abortion rights. You can also urge them to contact their local, state, and federal legislators to voice their support for abortion rights and express concern about restrictive laws.

Offer Support

If any of your friends, family, or colleagues are personally affected by these laws or have had an abortion, offer your support and reassurance. Let them know that you are there for them and provide a shoulder to lean on. Help them research reliable resources, such as abortion providers or counseling services, if needed. Respect their privacy and confidentiality, and assure them that they are not alone in their journey.

Learn about abortion laws in your state

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, abortion laws have varied across states. It is important to learn about the abortion laws in your state to understand the current state of abortion access and any restrictions that may be in place. Here are some ways to educate yourself on the abortion laws in your state:

• Utilize online resources: There are several online tools and maps provided by organizations such as the Center for Reproductive Rights, Abortion Finder, and NBC News, which offer up-to-date information on abortion laws in each state. These resources can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the legal status of abortion, any restrictions or bans in place, and how your state compares to others.
• Understand the categories of abortion laws: Abortion laws can be categorized into several groups, including "Expanded Access," "Protected," "Not Protected," "Hostile," and "Illegal." "Expanded Access" indicates that abortion is protected by state statutes or constitutions, and additional laws have been enacted to enhance access to abortion care. "Protected" means that abortion is protected by state law, but there may be some limitations on access. "Not Protected" suggests that abortion may still be accessible, but it is not protected by state law. "Hostile" states have expressed a desire to prohibit abortion entirely and are likely to enforce strict bans. Finally, "Illegal" states have criminalized abortion and enforce penalties for violations.
• Examine the specific restrictions and bans: Different states may have different types of restrictions and bans in place. For example, some states may prohibit abortion before fetal viability or ban specific methods of abortion care. Other restrictions may include parental involvement laws, which require notification or consent from parents or legal guardians for minors seeking abortions. Understanding the specific restrictions in your state will help you grasp the full scope of abortion access.
• Stay informed about changes: Abortion laws are subject to change, and your state may introduce new legislation or policies that impact abortion access. Stay updated by following news sources, subscribing to email alerts from organizations like Planned Parenthood Action, and checking the aforementioned online resources, as they are typically updated periodically to reflect any changes.
• Contact your local representatives: Another way to learn about abortion laws in your state is by directly contacting your local, state, and federal legislators. You can call or email them to inquire about their stance on abortion rights and encourage them to take action to protect abortion access if it is at risk in your state.

Find out where your lawmakers stand on abortion rights

It is important to know where your local, state, and federal legislators stand on abortion rights. You can do this by calling or emailing them. Urge them to act now to protect abortion rights and access in law. Knowing their stance on the issue will help you understand their values and how they interpret the law.

In the United States, state supreme court justices are likely to play a significant role in shaping access to abortion. Judicial retention elections, where voters decide whether to keep or remove judges, are taking place in several states, including Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Texas. These elections are attracting significant attention and donations from groups on both sides of the abortion debate.

For example, in Arizona, progressive groups are campaigning against state Supreme Court Justices Clint Bolick and Kathryn King, who upheld an 1864 law criminalizing nearly all abortions. In contrast, groups like the Judicial Independence Defense PAC argue that removing these justices over their abortion rulings would politicize the high court.

Similarly, in Texas, progressive activists formed the "Find Out PAC" to run ads against three conservative justices who denied a woman an abortion for her non-viable, health-threatening pregnancy. On the other hand, anti-abortion groups like Ohio Right to Life are also canvassing and running ads to influence the outcome of state Supreme Court elections.

Therefore, finding out where your lawmakers stand on abortion rights and holding them accountable through elections is crucial in shaping abortion access in your state.

Frequently asked questions