So what can we do now that Roe had been repealed?
I can re-state the things that you have all heard before:
- Vote for candidates that support abortion. Emily's List is an organization involved in getting Democratic, pro-choice candidates elected to office, and NARAL has a list of pro-choice candidates.
- Contact your representatives to let them know how you feel.
- You can also donate to Planned Parenthood, NARAL, ACLU, or the pro-choice organization of your choice.
- This one is new to me - the National Network of Abortion Funds. From their website "Abortion funds are independent, grassroots organizations developed to support the specific needs of their communities. Whether it’s funding procedures, abortion pills, transportation and lodging when travel is required, childcare, doula and emotional support, or other needs voiced by people seeking abortions, funds are finding innovative and compassionate ways to get people abortions they want and need." You can search the website above for local funds, and here is an article explaining "Everything You Need to Know About Abortion Funds".
- AidAccess - Provides online consultation for abortion medications mifepristone and misoprostol. Depending on what state you live in, the medications can be received within a few days. Other states may require prescriptions from European doctors and delivery of the medications from India to you within 1-3 weeks. Their FAQS provide very complete information, and you can also support their work with donations.
- A guide from Cosmopolitan on how you can do something, whether you have time, money, or neither.
I started looking for resources and specific examples of what to do when caring commenter Becky noted on Monday that "Living in a backward red state, I am unsure of how I can fight back, but I am certainly ready to do so. My elected officials are unwilling to represent any but the ultra-conservative, even though I live in a much more liberal city. I am researching what I can do, but if anyone has ideas, I would love to hear them. I think at present the best I can do is try to get the candidates running for local District Attorney to make a commitment not to prosecute women or healthcare professionals involved in abortion."
Like Becky said, there are blue-city prosecutors in red states that have vowed not to press charges against patients or providers, but that is still a long way from obtaining a safe and legal abortion.
I'm not going to pretend that the picture isn't bleak for someone living in a red state. I happen to live in a state where abortion is legal, but that is now true in only about 20 states.
So while many of us are enraged and want to do something, in reality, there may not be much we can do in the short term. I think Becky's idea about talking to the candidates running for DA to commit to not prosecuting women or healthcare professionals is a good one. A few caring people, even a whole liberal city, can't overcome the whole red state. Don't forget, forces have been working to get Roe repealed ever since the June of 1973 ruling. We have to be in this for the long haul, and take whatever steps we can. Each one is important, however small it might feel. I participated in a NARAL-sponsored event on Tuesday evening making phone calls to get out the vote for Josh Shapiro, a candidate running for governor in PA who supports reproductive freedom. Making a few phone calls doesn't feel like a big thing, but Mr. Shapiro's opponent, Senator Doug Mastriano, seems dangerously Trump-like (or possibly even worse).
This is just a small list of resources and possible actions, and I would love to hear any other ideas you might have in the comments. Keep in mind that this is not just about abortion, it's really about medical care. Fertility treatment, contraception, mental health, and cancer care could all be affected, along with other nonenumerated rights down the road. It's important (but you already knew that).
And for when it all becomes too much, I'll leave you with this NYT article: How I Build a Good Day When I'm Full of Despair at the World.
Excellent Bonny. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLeaving abortion rights up to the states means every election cycle the rules could change. It makes no sense!
ReplyDeleteMastriano is a scary, SCARY prospect. 😨
Mastriano is so blatant about his beliefs, so he is scary. I live in TN, and my governor is much more polished and subtle, but you see his goals are the same if you pay attention. These ultra conservative politicians are all scary as hell!
DeleteThank you so much for this post. I am going to look into adding more donations so we can get help. Living in Florida is a disaster!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a welcome and very well-researched list of resources, so thank you for that! I've been intending to donate to the National Network of Abortion Funds, and yesterday was pay day, so that goes on today's to-do list. I also got a solicitation from Josh Shapiro's campaign earlier in the week and kept it to make a donation, even though I usually prefer to give money to nonprofits/charities rather than politicians, but Mastriano scares the *&$#@ out of me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the post, it's nice to see everything in one space.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bonny, for this post. It is obviously well researched, and it is helpful. The only things I would add is that if you are inclined to donate, Planned Parenthood is redirecting their funds to assist women who must travel. My local PP is paying for travel and more as it is needed for those who need assistance. There is also an "auntie" network on Reddit that is full of volunteers who offer their home and transportation to and from procedures for out of state women. I haven't watched the documentary yet, but I think it is modeled somewhat after "The Janes" network that existed prior to Roe v. Wade. I personally think the best direction for the movement is to ensure that women are able to access abortion pills since they are effective and safe. The physician group in Europe that runs Aid Access and mails abortion pills to an Indian pharmacy that then mails them to recipients all over the world is, IMO, heroic. So, there are ways to get around this, we just have to educate women how to do it, and by all means, stick together and vote, sisters!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, Bonny. I have written to every single elected official every day (From Biden down the line) and each day I include my list of things and one new thing. Today's new thing is about including pop culture... perhaps voter registration availability at concerts. (Yesterday was to talk to Voter Registrar Extraordinaire Stacy Abrams... tap her brain to find out how she is so successful registering voters.)
ReplyDeleteOh and my regular list? Get rid of the filibuster. Expand the court. Use the full force of the government to do something NOW. Pass federal abortion protections. Make abortion meds available like COVID tests are available... especially since you do not need a Rx!
Hooray for YOU! I admire your stamina and determination so much.
DeleteGood post. I discovered the abortion funds network via a post from Michelle Obama and donated there. Keep fighting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim! I don't think we have any choice but to keep fighting.
DeleteExcellent post. I can confirm that DM *is* worse, as he is (appallingly) the state senator representing the district in which I live. Of course I didn't vote for him. I have tried for years to call his office to share my opinion, and no one *ever* answers the phone. It is useless. The fight must be at a higher level. As much as I loathe having him represent me in the PA senate, I will be happy to take that hit if we can maintain a D governor.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this excellent information. I'm another woman who lives in a liberal city of a conservative state. And you are so right, this trend is alarming because it isn't just about abortion. We all need to take a stand and prepare for a long haul.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the good info and links, Bonny - I have that last article bookmarked!
ReplyDelete