Rally for Reproductive Justice
July 3, 2022
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks (or maybe an international reader) then you may have heard that after 50 years Roe v. Wade was overturned, the decision that affirmed the constitutional right to abortion. For nearly half the states, this means that access to safe and ethical abortion will be walked back significantly as restrictions become tighter — and in some places, illegal.
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade the Human Life Protection Act immediately went into effect in Alabama, which means a near-total ban has been placed on abortion. Over 100 procedures have already been canceled at the 3 remaining clinics in the state, and abortion access is revoked unless deemed medically necessary to protect the life of the mother. Exceptions for rape or incest probably won’t even be considered until the next legislative sessions begin in 2023. This makes the performance of abortion a felony, with anyone performing the routine surgical procedure eligible for up to 99 years in prison. However, the law does explicitly state that it is still legal to travel out of state to receive care, and that a person cannot be held civilly or criminally liable for receiving an abortion.
Prrowess aims to create a floating reproductive health clinic in the Gulf Coast, providing reproductive health and surgical abortion services away from the jurisdiction of states with strict laws including Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and others. The nonprofit is still in its early stages, but hopefully with support from the public this project can come into fruition soon. To get more information about the Prrowess project you can contact amymargaretautry@gmail.com, or click here to donate!
In my home state of Georgia, governor Brian Kemp moved to immediately enact a ban outlawing abortion past the six week stage, before many people even know that they’re pregnant. Patients must now receive state-directed counseling, which is designed to deter abortion, then wait a mandated 24 hours to receive the procedure. People with insurance provided under the Affordable Care Act have now had their rights eliminated, with coverage only being extended to cases of life endangerment or compromised physical health. Abortion bans will never change the fact that everyone deserves access to timely and affordable care, and I’m afraid that marginalized and minority communities will be hit the hardest by these restrictions.
While we still figure out the repercussions of what this protection of one of our fundamental human rights means for our country, but especially the south, I wanted to provide a few resources: how to help, where to donate, tips for protesters, etc. and also share my photography and experiences with like-minded individuals fighting for reproductive justice.
Local Resources
Abortion Finder
With more than 700 health centers, AbortionFinder.org features the most comprehensive directory of trusted (and verified) abortion service providers in the United States.
I Need an ‘A’
I Need an 'A' is an online directory whose goal is to provide a simple, up-to-date, and localized source of information for people seeking abortions.
Alabama Cohosh Collaborative
A member of the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), the Alabama Cohosh Collaborative seek to increase access to reproductive health care, improve the quality of care, and reduce health disparities in Alabama.
To contact or donate a breast pump to the North Alabama breast pump project reach out at:
Alabama Cohosh Collaborative
PO Box 22521
Huntsville, AL 35814
alabamacohosh@gmail.com
The Yellowhammer Fund
The Yellowhammer Fund is a 501(c)3 abortion fund and reproductive justice organization serving Alabama, Mississippi, and the rest of the Deep South. They commit themselves to community education and empowerment, policy advocacy, and the development of systems of mutual aid to ensure that our friends, families, and neighbors never go without the things they need. In some cases Yellowhammer Fund can also help those receiving care at Feminist Women’s Health Center in Atlanta, GA and the DuPont Clinic in Washington, D.C.
Access Reproductive Care
ARC Southeast provides funding and logistical support to ensure Southerners receive safe and compassionate reproductive care including abortion services.
To contact the organization, join the movement for abortion access, or supporting contact the ARC Southeast at:
P. O. Box 570132
Atlanta, GA 30357
Phone: (855) 227-2475
Email: info@arc-southeast.org
Sistersong
The SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective was formed in 1997 by 16 organizations of women of color from four mini-communities (Native American, African American, Latina, and Asian American) who recognized that we have the right and responsibility to represent themselves and their communities, and the equally compelling need to advance the perspectives and needs of women of color.
Tips for Protesters
Wanna protest? That’s amazing! The right to peacefully protest is granted to all Americans under the first amendment of the United States Constitution. Those rights are most protected in “traditional public forums” such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You don’t need a permit to protest or march as long as traffic (car, pedestrian, or otherwise) isn’t being obstructed. You are also allowed to photograph anything you see as long as you are on public property. For the safety of others I always recommend avoiding defining facial features without the individual’s consent, but please don’t let police, government officials or anyone else antagonize you out of documenting your experiences, especially if you or another person’s rights are being violated.
I’ve done my fair share of protesting (and always keep my ears to the pavement for more opportunities to continue to fight unfair disparities) and here are some of my tried and true tips for protesting safely:
What to Bring:
Bag/Backpack or Fannypack
Water
Masks
Hat and Sunglasses
Lightweight Snacks
Hand Sanitizer
Sunscreen
Ibuprofen
Change of Clothes
Sneakers (Good Walking Shoes)
Cash
Power Bank to Charge Mobile Devices
Glasses (if you’re a contact wearer) or extra contacts
What to Do:
Go with people you know. Always make a plan before you get there. Know the area you’re going to, how you’re getting there, and a plan of escape. Designate a landmark meeting place to show up in case you get separated or someone’s phone dies.
Dress accordingly. Depending on the weather I like to wear long sleeves. If that’s not feasible then I definitely take measures to cover my tattoos, piercings, and any other easily identifiable features. Also prepare for the possibility of a riot. This does not mean bring weapons! But does include gas masks or face protection, long sleeves, pants, tennis shoes, and water
Eat before hand and drink lots of water
Trust your gut. If it feels like things are escalating or the people around seem shady it's always better to leave early and be back to potest another day.
What NOT to Do:
Don’t run!
Don’t police anyone else’s behavior. This includes tagging, looting, public speaking or displays of emotion, or provoking the police. There’s no way to know what anyone is going through or the thought process behind their actions. If someone’s behavior makes you upset to the point where you feel the need to act upon it, it’s time to go.
DO NOT take pictures of anyone’s face without their consent.
Do not allow yourself or your group to be surrounded by police. This is called a kettle and that's how they prepare for mass arrests. If you notice a line of officers in front of you and they start making a line behind you it's time to go.
Please don’t let the work stop. Follow up with local organizers and politicians to find out how to continue to take action in your areas. If you don’t feel comfortable physically protesting you can support the effort by donating to local organizations that support the causes you believe in. Many groups are donating resources to underserved individuals that may not have reproductive care or abortion access without them.
This fight to overturn people’s bodily autonomy has been a fight over 30 years in the making, and there’s no logical response other than outrage and activism. We’ve got to all dig deeper and figure out ways to support one another, because for many this truly is a matter of life or death.
