So what can we do now that Roe had been repealed?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.
