Anaya Nolan
Abortion rights are a highly contested topic, with protests occurring worldwide. In the United States, abortion laws vary by state, with some outlawing the procedure altogether. Women who wish to protest abortion laws have several options, including participating in rallies and demonstrations, spreading awareness, and supporting organisations that provide abortion access. It is important to note that protests should remain peaceful and respectful, and individuals should prioritise their safety, especially in the presence of counter-protesters. Additionally, women can get involved politically by donating to organisations fighting for abortion rights, staying informed about abortion laws, and contacting representatives to voice their opinions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Join organisations fighting for abortion rights | American Civil Liberties Union, Doctors for America, Amnesty International USA |
| Take legal action | File a lawsuit against medically unnecessary restrictions that violate the state's constitutional amendment protecting the right to abortion |
| Support abortion rights rallies | Stay 6 feet away from other protestors, wear masks, carry signs, chant, bring water, wear a hat and sunblock, wear goggles or sunglasses, bring rescue medications if you have asthma or allergies |
| Stay safe from counter-protesters | Avoid eye contact, wear earplugs or listen to music, bring an umbrella, magazine, or newspaper to cover your face, ask a friend or family member for support, seek help from clinic escorts, protect your cell phone privacy |
| Deal with anti-abortion protesters | Ignore them, do not engage, do not take any materials from them, be aware of their tactics, do not visit their vans or "mobile clinics" |
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What You'll Learn
Join organisations like the ACLU, Doctors for America, and Amnesty International USA
Joining organisations is a great way for women to get involved and actively contribute to the fight for abortion rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Doctors for America, and Amnesty International USA are three prominent organisations working to defend and preserve abortion rights and access.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU has been working for abortion access since before the Roe v. Wade decision and continues to be a strong advocate for reproductive freedom. They work in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The ACLU actively opposes politicians' attempts to ban abortions and shut down health centres providing reproductive health services, including abortion care. They also work to prevent the ending of programs that provide birth control, as this puts women at high risk for unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors for America
Doctors for America is an organisation that seeks to ensure the right to emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). This federal law requires hospitals with emergency departments to provide stabilising treatment, including abortion, to patients experiencing medical emergencies. Doctors for America has intervened in legal cases, such as Catholic Medical Association v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to defend the rights of pregnant patients and physicians providing abortion care.
Amnesty International USA
Amnesty International USA advocates for abortion access, recognising abortion as a human right and normal healthcare. They documented the impact of bans and restrictions on the human rights of people across the U.S. after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
By joining these organisations, individuals can gain access to resources, information, and opportunities to get involved in the fight for abortion rights. This may include signing pledges, donating funds, participating in campaigns, and staying informed about the latest developments and actions impacting abortion access.
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Donate to help win critical battles in courts and legislatures
Donating to organisations is a powerful way to support the fight for abortion rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a prominent organisation that has been working tirelessly to defend reproductive freedom and abortion access. By donating to the ACLU, you can help fund their legal battles in courts and legislatures across the country.
The ACLU has a strong track record of challenging abortion restrictions and promoting access through close collaboration with local providers and partners. They have successfully advocated for legislation protecting and expanding abortion rights in states like Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Additionally, they have won critical federal lawsuits, such as challenging a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule that created barriers for patients seeking safe abortion medication.
Another notable organisation to support is Doctors for America. They are actively defending the right of pregnant patients to receive, and physicians to provide, life-saving abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). Doctors for America has intervened in cases like Catholic Medical Association v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring that emergency departments provide stabilising treatment, including abortion, regardless of a patient's ability to pay.
Donating to these organisations provides the necessary resources to continue their vital work. It enables them to bring legal challenges, advocate for policy changes, and collaborate with partners to protect and expand abortion access.
In addition to donating, you can also stay informed about the ongoing battles in courts and legislatures. Understanding the legal landscape and the specific challenges faced by abortion rights activists can help guide your support and participation in this fight. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has the freedom to make decisions about their own lives and bodies.
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Attend protests and rallies for abortion rights
Attending protests and rallies for abortion rights is a powerful way to demand justice and effect transformative change. Here are some tips to consider when planning to attend a protest or rally:
Safety First
Protests for abortion rights have often been met with counter-protests, and there may be a police presence at events. It is essential to understand how to stay safe and peacefully interact with law enforcement. Try to avoid direct contact with police and military officials. Do not run, even if it is to close a gap among protesters and/or marchers. Protect your cell phone privacy by locking it, disabling thumb/face unlock, location services, home screen notifications, and Siri/Alexa. If you are white, do not put people of colour at risk by provoking the police.
Health Considerations
Assess your level of tolerance for potential COVID-19 exposure and bring a face mask, preferably an N-95. Pack water, as well as wet wipes or tissues.
Handling Counter-Protesters
You may encounter people protesting against abortion rights. These counter-protesters may be vocal and display graphic, inaccurate depictions of abortion to provoke and scare. It is recommended not to engage with them. Do not reply if they try to talk to you or offer you materials. Keep your focus on rallying to make your voice heard by the government and the public.
Know Your Rights
The U.S. Constitution and First Amendment protect peaceful assembly as a fundamental right. ACLU's Protesters' Rights outline your rights for organizing protests, attending protests, taking photos and videos, and your rights if stopped by the police. Students also have rights to freedom of speech, walkouts, and other forms of protest.
Be Informed
Review guides, such as Liberate Abortion's guide for advocates, to educate yourself on abortion rights and justice. Understand the broader context of abortion rights, including the historical violence related to abortion, the impact on marginalized communities, and the social, cultural, and economic barriers that affect reproductive rights.
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Be aware of counter-protesters and their tactics
When participating in protests supporting the right to abortion, it is important to be aware of counter-protesters and their tactics. Counter-protesters, or anti-abortion activists, are people who protest against the right to abortion. They may be vocal and try to engage with you, but it is important to not respond or interact with them. Their signs and materials are often designed to shame, scare, and provoke, using graphic and inaccurate depictions of abortion to make this routine health procedure seem dangerous. Do not buy into their messaging and keep your focus on rallying for your cause.
In the past, counter-protesters have resorted to violence and threatening behaviour, which exceeds the boundaries of their constitutionally protected right to free speech. In response to this, abortion rights supporters have developed legal tactics to confront such behaviour, and the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994 (FACE) was passed. This law makes it a federal crime to use force, threats, physical obstruction, intentional injury, or intimidation against reproductive health care providers and their patients. It also authorises civil lawsuits and penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
To protect yourself and stay safe, there are several precautions you can take. Be mindful of COVID-19 protections and assess your level of risk. Bring protective gear such as an N-95 mask, goggles or sunglasses, and a hat and sunscreen if needed. If you have asthma or severe allergies, bring your rescue medications. Additionally, consider your digital privacy by locking your phone and disabling certain features.
Understand how to safely interact with the police and military officials, and try to avoid direct contact with them. Respect your community's safety, especially if you are white, by not provoking the police and putting people of colour at risk. Finally, remember that your movement believes in peaceful, lawful protests, and do not engage in any illegal activities.
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Protect your privacy and stay safe at protests
Privacy and safety are important considerations when participating in protests. Here are some tips to protect your privacy and stay safe while attending protests against abortion laws:
Before the protest:
- Make a decision about your phone: Consider leaving your primary phone at home or turning it off completely during the protest. If you bring it, ensure that your data is fully encrypted and disable face and fingerprint recognition. Instead, use a strong passcode.
- Use a secondary device: If possible, bring a secondary or burner phone to the protest instead of your primary device.
- Install secure apps: Utilize secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, such as Signal, which offer the option to delete messages after sending.
- Transportation: If possible, leave your car at home and opt for walking or biking to the protest location. Law enforcement uses automated license plate readers to track protesters.
During the protest:
- Face coverings: Wear a face mask, scarf, or bandana to cover your face. This not only protects your health but also shields your identity from cameras and surveillance.
- Sunglasses and a hat: In addition to protecting you from the sun, sunglasses and a hat can help obscure your face from being identified.
- Avoid traditional communication: Refrain from making traditional phone calls or sending text messages.
- Be mindful of photos and videos: Avoid posting photos or videos that capture the faces, tattoos, or unique clothing of other protesters. If you do post such content, blur or obscure identifying features.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a large bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially if the protest involves marching.
General advice:
- Know your rights: Educate yourself on your legal rights as a protester. In the United States, the First Amendment guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and free speech.
- Peaceful demonstration: Remember that your rights are strongest when you protest in traditional public forums, such as public streets, parks, or sidewalks outside government buildings. Always maintain a peaceful demeanor and avoid engaging in any unlawful activities, such as destroying property or assaulting others.
By following these guidelines, you can help protect your privacy and enhance your safety while effectively conveying your message during protests against abortion laws.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips to stay safe while attending abortion rights rallies:
- Protect your cell phone privacy by locking it, disabling thumb/face unlock, turning off location services, disabling notifications, and disabling voice assistants.
- Be aware of your surroundings and periodically look for landmarks or cross streets to know your location.
- Stay 6 feet away from other protestors and law enforcement, especially if they are not wearing masks.
- Do not engage with anti-abortion protestors.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless your hands are clean.
Here are some ways to deal with anti-abortion protestors:
- Ignore them. Do not talk to them, pay attention to them, or take any of their materials.
- If there are a lot of protestors, health centers may have escorts who are trained to help you get to your appointment without being bothered.
- Wear sunglasses and a hooded jacket to avoid eye contact.
- Listen to music with headphones to block out their voices.
- Bring an umbrella, magazine, or newspaper to cover your face.
Here are some ways to join the fight for abortion rights:
- Protest for the right to abortion.
- Donate to organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that are working to defend abortion rights in courts and legislatures.
- Text "FIGHTBACK" to 826-23 to receive updates and information about how to get involved from the ACLU and its state affiliates.
- Vote for politicians who support abortion rights and work to enact laws that protect abortion access.
