Keep Fighting!

Stand up and say it again: don’t mourn, organize! We are gutted, we are angry, but we really aren’t surprised by the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade. And we, like you, feel called to take some kind of action. With federal protection for women’s bodies now gone, we must turn our attention and our collective power to state legislatures, and to organizations that support reproductive care at the regional and local levels. So here are some ways to harness your outrage in the long fight for reproductive justice and bodily autonomy. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF about the current abortion laws in your state and in surrounding states. Politico, ABC News, and the NY Times each have tools to help you get started.

You can also learn about the impact of abortion bans on pregnancy-related mortality and on the economic and educational opportunities for women and families; the disproportionate harm to people of color; and the importance of including trans and non-binary people in discussions about abortion. 

GET CONNECTED to an existing local pro-choice group. Even if your state has strong legal protection, there are folks in your state who have limited access to abortion services and other reproductive health resources. Additionally, many local or state organizations are preparing to provide reproductive care to people from adjacent, restrictive states. So your support, donations, and volunteer work will be needed locally wherever you are in the coming months and years. Practical Support Organizations provide logistical help, from travel and childcare to cash assistance; find your local PSO here. You can also search online for “abortion support” or “abortion organization” and the name of your state or city to find more groups in your area.  

ACTIVELY SUPPORT state legislation that protects choice and privacy: the right to abortion, access to contraception, and same-sex marriage. While the June 24 Supreme Court majority decision revoked only the right to abortion, Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion suggests that the Court “should reconsider” the legal theory that underlies other rights to privacy, protection, and due process. It is urgent that we move to protect these rights now, at the state level.

What legislation has been introduced in your state to expand, protect, or restrict access to contraceptive care? Is there a current bill in your state to protect or expand abortion rights?

Use the Guttmacher Institute’s State Legislation Tracker to check what bills regarding reproductive health have been introduced in your state. Contact your state legislators and discuss their positions and support; urge them to introduce bills safeguarding reproductive rights if there are none yet. 

Don’t sleep on your state and local primaries! Give special attention to any judicial nominees, and find out who has been endorsed by progressive and anti-racist organizations. 

DONATE to local, regional, and national support organizations. NARAL Pro-Choice America, the Abortion Care Network, and the Center for Reproductive Rights are among the centralized national organizations raising money. We like to support grass-roots fundraising, too. Consider donating locally or to a local chapter of a national organization: this list from the National Network of Abortion Funds is organized by state. 

FIGHT THE STIGMA of abortion by sharing your stories. Let others know how having safe access to abortion supported your choice and your future. Love and support those who have had or are considering abortions. There are many reasons to choose abortion, and abortion care is a loving and compassionate choice. 

Stay strong, Collective. We have a long road ahead to regain the rights that have been taken away from us, and to protect our rights under threat. Together, we can stay in this fight. Stay Tuned.