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9 Ways To Fight The Anti-Abortion Legislation Sweeping Congress This Year
Congress is back in session, and its first order of business? Waging a war on uteruses. On the very first day of the 114th Congress, lawmakers introduced sweeping national anti-abortion legislation that would eliminate a woman's right to obtain an abortion after 20 weeks, citing medically disputed claims that by then, fetuses can feel pain. Though such legislation has previously been ruled unconstitutional, with the Supreme Court striking down Arizona's statewide ban on abortion, the political climate and the source of legislative power has shifted considerably since the midterms of November, and today, a woman's right to choose is more endangered than ever before. And that it is more important now than ever that you, as an individual, take action.
Despite the landmark 1973 decision of Roe v. Wade, which has long served as the judicial precedent for ruling such bans unconstitutional, the clout of the case has lessened with each passing decade. And as of the 40th anniversary of the decision, more than half of respondents, 53 percent, of a Pew Research survey deemed abortion "not that important compared to other issues." This number represented a disturbing and pronounced trend amongst Americans that suggests that abortion is becoming less and less of a right in need of vigilant protection. And it is perhaps this general complacency that has given lawmakers the ammunition they need to take aim once again at women's rights to their own bodies. After all, in 2009, only 48 percent of participants thought abortion was not as important as other issues, and only 32 percent felt that way in 2006.
But now, as Congress stands at the ready to bitterly fight abortion, we must start paying attention again — and more critically, we must reinvigorate the fight against anti-abortion legislation. And although the war may have begun in Washington, you can wage your own battles across the country by doing a few things that will keep abortion legal, and congressional hands off your body.
Stay Aware Of Your Rights
While this may seem like a no-brainer, staying aware of both your options and the fight surrounding abortion is of paramount importance in defending a woman’s right to choice.
After all, as of 2013, only 62 percent of Americans knew that Roe v. Wade dealt with abortion, and the under-30 demographic was particularly ignorant about the particulars of the case. In fact, only 44 percent of those in their teens or 20’s knew that the case defended abortions.
So stay educated about what’s going on, both in Washington and locally, when it comes to the fight over abortion. Moreover, be aware of where your local abortion clinics are located, particularly in states (looking at you, Texas), where many facilities are in danger of closing their doors forever.
Volunteer Your Time
There are a number of local and national organizations that have worked tirelessly to keep abortions safe and legal for women across the country — groups like NARAL, the National Abortion Federation, and Planned Parenthood all rely heavily on volunteers to help carry out their missions.
Volunteer Your Time
While signing online petitions and tweeting trending hashtags certainly has its part in drawing attention to an issue, clicktivism is best supplemented with physical, on-the-frontlines action. Find out where the rallies are, join your local (and national) groups, and get involved!
Call & Write To Congressmen and Women
Sure, congressional representatives are inundated by phone calls and letters on a daily basis, but that’s exactly why more of those calls and letters need to center around abortion. Particularly now, at the beginning of the new legislative session, when bills are being introduced and first-time representatives are taking their seats, voters must remind their congressmen and women that their power stems from their constituents.
After all, you elected your representatives — your representatives serve you. So make sure that your voice is being fairly and accurately embodied in Washington, especially when it comes to issues as important as abortion.
Specifically, Call & Write To Mitch McConnell
Taking the place of Sen. Harry Reid (D-AZ) as Senate Majority Leader is Republican Mitch McConnell, who has long indicated his support of anti-abortion legislation, telling anti-choice activists last year, ”For six years, the president has been isolated from this growing movement. He will be forced to listen to the cause that’s brought us all here this morning. Senate Democrats would be forced to take a stand.”
As the top-ranking Republican in the GOP-controlled Senate, McConnell’s apparent commitment to such legislation is concerning, to say the least. You can write or call McConnell’s office directly, or you can use NARAL’s form to contact the Senator, and send a message to Sen. McConnell to ”back off our reproductive rights.”
Tell The GOP To Put Women On The House Judiciary Committee
Nearly exactly one year ago, the House Judiciary Committee passed HR7, which “prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion.” Interestingly enough, not a single Republican woman was included as part of that particular committee, which happens to be the committee that oversees important healthcare rights. Despite the fact that a record number of women were elected to Congress in November, topping 100 for the first time in the country’s history, Republican female leadership is still largely absent. When it comes to an issue like abortion, it is critical that women have a place at the table, and the fact that the GOP has failed to give them one is shameful.
You can join forces with NARAL in asking the GOP where their women are, or write letters and spread the word yourself.
Write Articles For Your Local Newspaper Or Blog
In addition to writing to Congress, you can also use the Internet or your local newspaper as a platform from which to broadcast your voice. If you’re a blogger, blog away. Use social media to spread the word and keep the spotlight on the issue. Use the Internet as your megaphone and tap into various networks to find allies. Submit articles or “letters to the editor” to your local newspaper, and start a dialogue in your community.
Don't Let GoFundMe Equate Abortion To Terrorism, Violence & Drugs
In September of 2014, crowdfunding site GoFundMe, which promises “Crowdfunding for Everyone,” took a firm stance against abortion by deactivating a woman’s campaign to help finance her abortion, and additionally removing her account. In an interview with Vice before GoFundMe shut down her page, she told the website, “Sometimes the pain is so bad that I can’t get out of bed, and I can’t go to the bathroom. When I cough, it feels like my organs being shredded inside of me.” Bailey, the woman behind the campaign, received an email from GoFundMe shortly thereafter, stating, “We’re sorry to inform you that after careful review, GoFundMe has determined that your campaign is not appropriate for our site.”
GoFundMe also informed Bailey that abortion was something the company would “rather not be associated with,” much like terrorism, violence and drugs, the other three causes that are banned by the crowdfunding site. As NARAL notes in their petition page, ”Abortion is standard medical care that one in three women needs. They don’t need stigma, shame, or judgment.” You can help fight this stigma by asking GoFundMe to remove abortion from its list of banned content, again, either independently or by way of NARAL’s website.
Be Visible And Vocal
While abortion is undoubtedly a delicate subject, the very caution we feel we should exercise when discussing the subject is a testament to the progress we’ve yet to make on reproductive rights. Just as sensationalizing celebrities for being feminists is detrimental to the feminist cause, making a big deal out of being pro-choice is somewhat counterproductive. So own your right to your own body — wear pro-choice t-shirts and talk to your friends about your stance on the subject. Tip-toeing around the matter won’t lead to a longterm solution any faster.
