by If the court is overturned Roe vs. Wade in June (when they are expected to make their decision), reproductive rights will be launched again at the state level. As a result, safe abortions will quickly become severely restricted or illegal for more than 135 million people, according to NPR. And many states have even passed “activation laws” or preRoe abortion bans that will start once the court makes its decision, leaving many people without the health care they need.
The effects of aRoe vs. Wade the world would be destructive and expansive. One in four women in the United States is expected to have an abortion, and for many, this decision is fundamental to the course of their lives. They decide to continue their education so that they can channel their resources to their existing family members or because they can not afford a child (among other reasons).
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From Politico leaked the document, social media swirls with hot downloads, shared memes and action elements. As you prepare for the race, remember: The original draft majority opinion is still just that, a draft. Roe vs. Wade is still intact, so if you need an abortion or have an existing appointment, you are still within your legal right.
However, you are not alone if you feel frustrated and anxious right now. Below, Sharmin Hossain, an abortion justice advocate and Liberate Abortion Campaign Director, offers her best advice in support of reproductive rights.
How to protect Roe vs. Wade and reproductive rights in general
1. Donate to access funds for abortions
Your money can go a long way right now, so Hossain strongly encourages you to donate to abortion access funds if you can afford it. People will need transportation, work permits and cash flow to travel if and when they need an abortion. Your money can ensure that they get there safely and without emptying their wallets in the process.
“Everyone has to circulate money for abortion through the National Network of Abortion Funds,” Hussein said. “One of the crucial ways to support people seeking access to care is to make sure they have the money and resources to access that care. So abortion funds fill this critical gap,” he explains.
Hossain is also donating to Keep Our Clinics, a campaign led by the Abortion Care Network that raises money for independent abortion clinics (the largest abortion providers in the country).
To help with a specific abortion fund at the state level, go here and select the state or states you want to send your donation to.
2. Protest
Hossain also recommends taking to the streets. People have been protesting for thousands of years for one reason: action creates a collective human voice on a common issue and motivates those in power to consider or change their actions.
“We want to inform the judges of the Supreme Court that we are outraged by this leaked draft opinion,” said Hossain. Several protests have already been planned across the country, including the planned parent-day bans on our Action Day bodies.
3. Make sure your community still knows this Roe vs. Wade it is intact
Part of caring for your community is making sure they understand what is going on. So talk to your loved ones about the leaked document, make sure they know their abortion rights are still protected, and use comprehensive, non-harmful language like yours. “People are often in a hurry to use pictures from a hanger or old school jokes about the horror of abortion,” says Hossain. “While this is true for many people before Roe, I think these reports are really stigmatizing.”
It is also a good idea to monitor the use of your pronouns and remember that people of all genders are affected by this news. “We really need to focus on opening up the language, not only to include more gender, but also to include how queer people who are now being attacked by trans-exclusion laws are also part of this reproductive rights attack.” says. .
4. Volunteering at the local level
There is a lot you can do in your neighborhood to protect abortion rights. Volunteer to accompany people to your local abortion clinic, advocate for a talk line for people who weigh their reproductive options, or find an abortion clinic office where you can volunteer.
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