Stop the Bans Aid

Why must we keep defending our humanity? “Women’s rights are human rights” is more than a catchy hashtag; it’s the truth supreme. Yet here we are.

Again.

In 2019.

Women across the nation are up in arms and joining arms to fight misogyny once again as men try to legislate our bodies. This is not about compassion for an unborn fetus, for these lawmakers care not for the born children they become. This is pure misogny of the worst degree. Why must these men feel the need to punish women? And why do women stand by these men? Women who uphold the patriarchy are positively the worst. We need to elect more progressive women, and representation is critical. I mean, look at all the white male faces who passed this heinous law in Alabama.

Countless brave, white, black, and brown women before us have fought for our right to choice, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Instead, here we are battling in the same war because men want government small enough to fit in our uteruses. These men are hypocrites who want to “protect” an unborn fetus but think it’s just fine to let children languish in cages. What’s egregiously missing in this abortion ban narrative is the fact that men get women pregnant. This is basic biology, folks. Guys get a full pass while women pay. It is not criminal to make the choice to have an abortion. It’s criminal to make a woman bear her rapist’s child. It’s not criminal to make choices for your own body, your own health. Abortion is a health care choice, and it is vital to keep them accessible and safe. We must ensure that no women dies at the hands of these men. Abortion is legal in all 50 states, thanks to Roe v. Wade. We must rise up to advocate for affordable, compassionate abortions that are accessible to all women. Any women in any zip code can find herself with an unplanned pregnancy. It is not for me to decide what she chooses as her best option to manage the situation. The choice sure as hell does not belong to the men who want to legislate women and criminalize our biology.

Enough.

Below you’ll see a picture of my favorite shirt, and it’s been getting an awful lot of wear lately. Strangers stop me in the street to give me fist bumps every time I wear this shirt, and I’m thinking I need it in more colors. It’s a must-have in this fight. Brave New World Designs can hook you up.

On Tuesday, May 21, Planned Parenthood is leading a Stop The Bans day of action along with partner organizations across the country. Here’s where you can aid in the effort. Activists will be holding more than 250 protests at state capitols and courthouses in all 50 states to protest extreme bans on abortion and increasing threat to Roe v. Wade. Bad anti-choice laws like those recently passed in Alabama and Missouri are coming soon to a state near you. And enraged women will be coming to the polls.

I know it’s easy to be paralyzed by rage. We resort to social media for solace, but we need more.

Here are six ways to take action now:

Donate to groups fighting for reproductive freedom on a local level (see above).
Join or host a #StopTheBans action on Tuesday, May 21st.
If you have had an abortion, and are comfortable, share your story using #YouKnowMe.
Men: abortion is a men’s issue too. Post about how you have personally benefited from abortion.
Research federal judicial appointments. If a judge is anti-choice, call your senators and tell them to vote NO.
Volunteer to be an abortion clinic escort.

Donate to these groups working on the local level:

Hashtags to watch and amplify:

#StopTheBans
#RoeVWade
#YouKnowMe
#HB314 (AL)
#HB481 (GA)
#AlabamaAbortionBan

Most importantly, this is not a fight for women alone.

Image Credit: Katy Galvin via Amplifier Art

Instagram: @katgalvin / @amplifierart

Twitter: @amplifierart

Facebook: facebook.com/amplifierart

Again.

In 2019.

Enough.

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