Texas Abortion Ban SB8 Law and Help Pass the Women's Health Protection Act

Texas took a huge step backwards as they passed the anti-abortion SB8 earlier this week, what does this mean for reproductive rights in that state? “This is a red alert from Texas: S.B.8, the law that bans abortion at just six weeks of pregnancy and puts bounties on anyone who may have helped someone access abortion care has gone into effect in Texas after the Supreme Court refused to stop it in a dastardly 5-4 decision under the cloak of night. Abortion has been virtually banned in Texas.” and it doesn’t stop there.

“This horrifying law is perhaps the most far-reaching anti-abortion law ever. The law essentially bans abortion by restricting abortion after six weeks, before many people even know they are pregnant. But that's not all. Under this law, anyone who "aids or abets" an abortion could face legal consequences, including a friend or family member who gives a woman a ride to a clinic, or abortion care providers who provide non-medical services.” There have been hotlines and websites created for one to report someone else regarding an abortion - that seems absolutely INSANE to me. The irony is that I see Republicans and the like preach on the country moving dangerously towards a communistic governing structure - the act of encouraging your community and individuals snitch/report on others is a tactic that communist governments use.

This isn’t about being pro-abortion, it’s about being able to make your own decisions - and yet Republicans and those that oppose mask wearing think that their rights are being infringed upon? What is this, if not a violation and infringement on women or non-CIS women being able to make choices for their own bodies - their bodies should not be up for debate and they should not be denied healthcare that may be needed, or hunted for doing something that they feel is right for them. And if you thought it couldn’t get any worse…

“It gets worse: Anti-abortion extremists are getting ready to move through similar laws in other states in the South and Midwest. Now, with the blessing of the Supreme Court. The implications for abortion rights, and so many other rights, are vast and dire.”

PHOTO: ULTRAVIOLET

So what can we do? Tell Congress to “Pass the Women’s Health Protection Act to protect access to abortion for all Americans.”

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
”The Women’s Health Protection Act, which was just reintroduced in Congress, would stop the Republican onslaught of anti-abortion and abortion-restrictive legislation coming out of state legislatures across the country. It would block states from creating barriers to care and would protect health service providers' ability to offer abortion care.”

Sign UltraViolet’s petition now and tell Congress to protect an individual’s right to choose.

To help those in Texas directly, check out these action items to donate/support Texas Abortion Funds (list via Impact):

Frontera Fund

Frontera Fund Is United Under One Fundamental Mission: To provide financial support and a sense of community for those seeking abortions in the Rio Grande Valley. We also assist local Rio Grande Valley residents who need to travel to clinics across Texas and beyond for the reproductive care they require.

Fund Texas Choice

Fund Texas Choice helps Texans equitably access abortion through safe, confidential, and comprehensive travel services and practical support.

Fund Texas Choice envisions a society in which abortion is embraced as healthcare and a human right. As a human right, abortion is equitably accessible across political, economic and social systems so that people have autonomous bodies and futures supported by powerful and vibrant communities.

Whole Woman’s Health Alliance

Whole Woman’s Health Alliance is working to strategically shift the stigma around abortion in our culture. The organization is committed to fostering open and honest conversations, lifting up all communities, and transforming the abortion care environment.

They believe that everyone deserves the dignity and respect to be at the center of their healthcare decisions. That’s why they fight harmful anti-abortion laws. Litigation is an important means of countering laws that present undue burdens on women who seek abortions.

The Bridge Collective

Providing practical, responsive support for abortion services and reproductive healthcare resources for Central Texans. By mobilizing the power of volunteers, we strive to bridge the gap to ensure that all Central Texans have equal access to abortion care.

Texas Equal Access Fund

Texas Equal Access Fund provides funding to low-income people in the northern region of Texas who are seeking abortion and cannot afford it, while simultaneously working to end barriers to abortion access through community education and shifting the current culture toward reproductive justice.

Jane’s Due Process

Helping young people in Texas navigate parental consent laws and confidentially access abortion and birth control. The organization provide free legal support, 1-on-1 case management, and stigma-free information on sexual and reproductive health. 

The Lilith Fund

Provides financial assistance and emotional support while building community spaces for people who need abortions in Texas—unapologetically, with compassion and conviction. Through organizing and movement-building, the organization fosters a positive culture around abortion, strengthen people power, and fight for reproductive justice in and with our communities.

Clinic Access Support Network

provides transportation, meal stipends, accommodations, childcare assistance, and compassionate care to people seeking abortion services in Houston.

West Fund

West Fund is a non-profit organization formed to serve individuals in the West Texas area. We work to make abortions accessible to individuals who need them, and fight back against bad legislation and anti-choice rhetoric. We hope to build support within the community, so people in El Paso and West Texas can all come together to support choice and help people live their lives in the way they see fit.

The Afiya Center

The Afiya Center has long recognized that for Black women there is a perceived double standard: we are stigmatized when we have children and are further shamed and stigmatized when we seek abortions. We are ready to expand our advocacy efforts to ensure all Texas women are truly supported — no matter her choice. The Afiya Center is a proud participant of the Trust. Respect. Access. Coalition — a multi-year campaign to promote policies that restore trust in Texans to make their own reproductive health care decisions, respect the dignity of Texans and the judgment of health care professionals, and ensure access to abortion and the support all Texas families need to thrive. Go to Trust. Respect. Access to learn more about this unprecedented, coordinated campaign aims to shift the policy climate around abortion access in Texas, to educate the public about the harm caused by decades of anti-abortion laws, and to hold lawmakers accountable for political attacks on reproductive health care.