Strategies To Challenge Anti-Abortion Laws And Protect Reproductive Rights

The overturning of Roe v. Wade has left millions of people in the US unable to access abortions, with Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities disproportionately affected. In the face of these anti-abortion laws, there are several ways to fight for reproductive rights and justice. Firstly, individuals can vocalize their support for abortion access through personal networks and social media, helping to end the stigma surrounding abortion and build a powerful force for change. Secondly, donating to abortion funds and reproductive justice organizations is crucial, as these groups work to protect and expand access to abortion services, particularly for marginalized communities. Additionally, individuals can support political candidates and legislation that uphold reproductive rights, such as the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act and the Women's Health Protection Act. Finally, staying informed about abortion access and the impact of bans is essential to effectively advocate for reproductive freedom.

Support abortion funds and reproductive justice organisations

Supporting abortion funds and reproductive justice organisations is a crucial way to fight anti-abortion laws. Here are some ways to do this:

Donate to Abortion Funds

Financial contributions to abortion funds can help expand their impact and ensure that people can access the care they need. Abortion funds provide financial assistance to patients who may struggle to afford the cost of the procedure and related expenses, such as travel. Examples of organisations to donate to include the National Abortion Federation, the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP), and the National Network of Abortion Funds.

Volunteer at Clinics

If you live near a clinic that provides abortions, consider volunteering your time and skills. Clinics often have various opportunities available, such as registering people to vote or working as a clinic escort. Volunteering can be a direct way to support the work of reproductive justice organisations and ensure that they can continue providing essential services.

Support Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is a prominent women's healthcare provider that has been targeted by anti-abortion advocates. You can support Planned Parenthood by donating, joining the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, following them on social media, or volunteering.

Advocate for Reproductive Rights

Use your voice to advocate for reproductive rights and support the work of reproductive justice organisations. Contact your local representatives to express your support for abortion rights and ask where they stand on these issues. You can also help spread accurate information about abortions and the laws regulating them to ensure that people are well-informed.

Support the Center for Reproductive Rights

The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global legal advocacy organisation dedicated to advancing reproductive rights as fundamental human rights. They work to protect and advance women's reproductive health, self-determination, and dignity. You can support their work by donating or staying updated on their court cases and victories.

By taking action and supporting these organisations, you can help fight anti-abortion laws and ensure that people have access to safe and legal abortions.

Shout your support for abortion access

Shout Your Abortion (SYA) is a pro-abortion social media campaign that encourages people to share their abortion experiences online without "sadness, shame or regret". The campaign aims to destigmatize abortion, normalize it, and put an end to the shame surrounding it.

SYA provides resources, campaigns, and media to empower activists, create new ones, and foster collective participation in abortion access across the country. They are not abortion providers or politicians but experts at moving the needle, activating people, and rallying support for abortion access.

• Share Your Abortion Story: If you have had an abortion, consider sharing your experience using the #ShoutYourAbortion hashtag. You can also write an essay or talk to people about your experience to fight the stigma surrounding abortion.
• Support People Who Seek Abortions: If you know someone considering an abortion, offer non-judgmental support and be there for them before and after the procedure.
• Educate and Beautify Your Community: Use pro-abortion posters, stickers, art, and information to educate and engage your community in the conversation about abortion access.
• Get Informed and Help Others Stay Informed: Educate yourself about abortions and the laws regulating them. Share accurate and evidence-based information with others, especially those considering an abortion.
• Contact Your Representatives: If your state is considering legislation that limits abortion access, make sure your representatives know your stance. Call, write, email, or tweet at them to express your support for abortion rights.
• Vote for Pro-Choice Candidates: Use your vote to support candidates who unequivocally support abortion rights in local, state, and national elections.

Remember, abortion access is a human rights issue, and everyone has the right to bodily autonomy and reproductive justice. By shouting your support, you can help normalize abortion, empower others to share their stories, and work towards a future where abortion rights are respected and accessible to all.

Support politicians who are pro-choice

Supporting pro-choice politicians is one of the most effective ways to fight anti-abortion laws. Here are some ways to do that:

Know the Candidates

First, it is essential to know which politicians are pro-choice. In the United States, the Republican Majority for Choice (RMC) was a group dedicated to preserving legal access to abortion and supporting Republicans who favoured abortion rights. While the RMC closed operations in 2018 due to the Republican Party's anti-abortion platform, there are still pro-choice Republicans, such as Senators Susan Collins, Shelley Moore Capito, and Lisa Murkowski, who have voted to protect abortion rights.

Vote for Pro-Choice Candidates

One of the most powerful ways to support pro-choice politicians is to vote for them in local, state, and national elections. Voting for pro-choice candidates sends a clear message that you value reproductive rights and want to protect access to safe and legal abortions.

Contact Your Representatives

If your state is considering legislation that limits access to abortion, make your voice heard by contacting the politicians involved. Call, write a letter or email, or use social media to express your opposition to such laws and your support for reproductive rights.

Join Pro-Choice Lobbying Groups

Consider joining pro-choice lobbying groups, such as NARAL Pro-Choice America, that advocate for abortion rights and work to influence politicians and legislation. These groups often have the ear of politicians and can be effective in shaping policy.

Donate to Pro-Choice Organisations

Another way to support the cause is to donate to organisations fighting for reproductive rights, such as Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). These organisations often provide essential services, education, and legal support to protect access to abortion.

Spread the Word

Talk to your friends and family about the issue. Help others stay informed by sharing accurate information about abortion and reproductive rights. The more people understand the issue, the more likely they are to support pro-choice politicians and protect abortion rights.

By supporting pro-choice politicians and advocating for reproductive rights, you can play a crucial role in fighting anti-abortion laws and ensuring that individuals have the freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions.

Donate to local Planned Parenthood affiliates

Donating to local Planned Parenthood affiliates is a great way to fight anti-abortion laws and support reproductive rights. Planned Parenthood has been a target of anti-choice advocates for years, and donations are crucial to help them continue their work. Here are some ways you can contribute:

Donate Financially

Planned Parenthood affiliates are independently incorporated 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that operate local health centers. You can choose to donate to a specific affiliate or health center that you want to support. Financial donations can be made online, by mail, or over the phone. You can also choose to make a one-time donation or set up a monthly contribution. Planned Parenthood accepts various donation methods, including checks, credit cards, and gifts of stock. Additionally, if you are over 70 1/2 years old, you can donate from your rollover IRA, with a maximum amount of $100,000 per year. Your donations are tax-deductible, and Planned Parenthood provides tax receipts for contributions over $5.

Donate in Honor or Memory of Someone

Planned Parenthood allows you to make a gift in honor or memory of someone special. They will send a card to the specified address, notifying the person of your thoughtful donation. Please note that it can take up to four weeks for the card to be delivered.

Fundraise for Planned Parenthood

If you want to take your support a step further, you can organize fundraising events or campaigns in your community to benefit Planned Parenthood. Whether it's a wedding, birthday, or a run, you can create your own personal page on Crowdrise.com and share it with your network to raise funds. While you are welcome to state that proceeds will benefit Planned Parenthood, the use of their logo for fundraising events requires additional approval.

Join the Planned Parenthood Action Fund

The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is the advocacy arm of the organization, dedicated to expanding and protecting sexual and reproductive health care and rights. It is a separate 501(c)(4) nonprofit membership organization, and while donations are not tax-deductible, your contributions will directly support their advocacy efforts.

By donating to local Planned Parenthood affiliates, you are helping to ensure that people across the country have access to critical health care services, including abortion, STD testing, and birth control. Your support is vital in the fight against attacks on reproductive rights and will enable Planned Parenthood to continue providing these essential services.

Support the Center for Reproductive Rights

The Center for Reproductive Rights is a legal advocacy organization that works to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights globally. The Center is the only organization of its kind with a global reach, working with local partners in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States.

The Center's work focuses on protecting and advancing women's reproductive health, self-determination, and dignity as basic human rights. They address issues related to abortion, maternal health, and more. One of their campaigns, "A Thousand Miles," highlights the increasing distances that pregnant people in the US have to travel to access abortion care.

The Center is currently involved in several court cases, including "Zurawski v. Texas," an award-winning documentary that shadows the Center's Texas clients as they fight to regain their rights. The Center is also pursuing cases at the UN, seeking a new human rights standard to ensure safe abortion access and protections for sexual abuse survivors. These cases could lead to significant reproductive health and rights protections throughout Latin America and the world.

Supporting the Center for Reproductive Rights can be done through donations and staying informed about their work. You can also sign up to receive updates on their court cases, legal policy work, and global reach. Additionally, you can help spread awareness about reproductive rights as fundamental human rights and the Center's role in this fight.

The Center for Reproductive Rights is a crucial organization in the battle for reproductive rights, and supporting their work can make a significant impact in ensuring that every person can participate with dignity as an equal member of society, regardless of gender.

Frequently asked questions