While most eyes were on celeb transformations for the 2022 Met Gala, behind the scenes, our government was fashioning a different kind of change. In leaked documents written by Justice Samuel Alito and obtained by Politico, the U.S. Supreme Court reportedly voted to renege on its trailblazing Roe v. Wade decision. The draft opinion rebukes the 1973 decision, which promised constitutional protection of abortion rights. And if anyone was unsure about this ruling, it was further solidified in 1992 via the Planned Parenthood v. Casey court case, where the U.S. Supreme court reaffirmed Roe v. Wade.
However, it seems the Supreme Court has had a change of heart. “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled,” Justice Alito wrote in the document, according to Politico. Don’t fret; it’s not over…yet. The court decision won’t be finalized for another couple of months and, traditionally, justices can (and do) alter their votes as draft opinions circulate.
Nevertheless, it’s time to put on our marching shoes, because our ovaries and rights are once again in jeopardy. There are multiple ways to help, whether you want to take to the streets or support long-standing organizations doing the work. We get that this can all be overwhelming, so we put together a list of the top places to support so people can maintain the agency to do what we want with our bodies.
In the words of Toni Morrison, “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” It’s time to reclaim our bodies and fight for our freedom of choice. Let the protesting begin.
Grassroots Organizers
If you live in NYC, join grassroots organizers and fellow supporters in Foley Square at 5 P.M. EST today, Tuesday, May 3.
Equality for Flatbush
If you are still on the clock at 5 P.M. EST, worry not. There is another mass protest at Barclays Center at 7 P.M. EST. today, Tuesday, May 3.
Women’s March
On Tuesday, May 3 at 5 P.M. local time, the Women’s March is calling for supporters across the nation to go to their local federal courthouse, federal building, town hall or town square to defend abortion rights. You can add your name and sign the pledge to rally here.
National Network of Abortion Funds
In addition to marching, there are people who need help accessing and funding their abortions. The National Network of Abortion Funds created a seamless process to find funds by state and connect donors with these funds. Why donate on a local level? National organizations like Planned Parenthood have large budgets in comparison to local funds. By donating locally, you are helping to disseminate dollars to people in your state and/or community.
Indigenous Women Rising
The mission of Indigenous Women Rising is to honor the rights of Native and Indigenous women regarding their access to equitable and culturally safe healthcare and health education while providing resources and advocacy. This includes financial and practical support for Indigenous and Native abortion seekers. They have an abortion fund that serves both Indigenous and non-documented people nationwide, as well as a midwifery fund to support pregnant Indigenous women in need of quality care and support from a midwife or doula.
The Brigid Alliance
Protesting doesn’t just mean marching or donating; it also means financially supporting specific measures. This includes The Brigid Alliance, an organization that helps abortion patients traveling long distances for care get transported safely to and from abortion clinics. In addition to transportation, The Brigid Alliance covers additional expenses such as child care, meals, accommodations, and other travel costs like gas and tolls.
Avow Texas: Unapologetic Abortion Advocacy
What does a dystopian future look like allowing people no access to abortions? Texas offers a glimpse. Within the state, abortion bans begin as early as six weeks and SB 8 puts a $10,000 bounty on individuals who either help someone get or access abortion care. Avow Texas focuses on the fight against abortion stigma and helping Texans who want an abortion get the care they need.
NARAL Pro-Choice America
Register and vote for candidates who support reproductive rights. While the presidential election is important, so are local and midterm elections. Don’t like what you’re seeing? Try and enact change on a local level. Support candidates that support the causes you care about. NARAL Pro-Choice America is an organization that spotlights candidates who prioritize women’s healthcare and reproductive freedom. In 2020, the organization advocated for over 200 candidates running for office on all levels, from the statehouse to the U.S. Senate.
The Guttmacher Institute
Someone has to do the research, and the Guttmacher Institute is ensuring we have the correct numbers regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. They do extensive research on abortion and provide evidence-based advocacy that helps strategic communications. They are also very transparent with their financials, so you know exactly where your donations are going.
Full Spectrum Doula Circle
Often when we think of a doula, we think of someone helping a person deliver a baby. But a doula is actually wholly concerned with the health and care of a pregnant person, including when they are delivering a baby, but not limited to just that. Full Spectrum Doula Circle is exactly what it sounds like: an organization that focuses on the full spectrum of birth and motherhood. Founded by Sarah Whedon, Ph.D., it hosts classes and training sessions for abortion support skills, crafts rituals for abortion and pregnancy loss, and more, because all moms need support, even those who don’t deliver.
National Abortion Federation
When we think of abortion, we may consider the patient, but it’s also essential to think about the needs and the resources of the abortion provider. That’s where National Abortion Federation steps in. Via its website, The National Abortion Federation explains that its mission is “to unite, represent, serve, and support abortion providers in delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care.” This organization also sets the standard for safe, quality abortion care.
The Abortion Care Network
After Roe v. Wade, physicians, feminists, and those who support women’s rights began opening independent abortion clinics across the nation to ensure abortions remained accessible and affordable with high-quality care. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 95 percent of abortions performed are done by an independent clinic. The Abortion Care Network supports those clinics so patients can get access, care, and ongoing support.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io