We’re proceeding with the understanding that limiting reproductive rights—particularly access to safe and legal abortion—is not only bad for individual people, but bad for public health and gender equality. These things are not up for debate. (Literally, we will not debate you. Because you are wrong. See McFall v. Shimp and Planned Parenthood v. Casey if you’re curious as to why.)
What’s left to discuss is how best to protect reproductive rights and their access for all Americans.
In the short term, we must weed. Anyone who values the dignity of human life, of happiness, of personal sovereignty needs to get down on their hands and knees and rip this shit up root and stem. Here’s how.
Stop framing this fight a women’s issue. It reinforces the idea that women are solely responsible for sex, pregnancy, and childrearing. Twice as many sterilizations are performed on women as vasectomies are on men, even though the vasectomy is less invasive, dangerous, and costly. Issues exclusive to women are easy for men to tune out—and this conversation most definitely includes them and needs them.
Don’t leave people out. Abortion access touches race, class, and gender. Avoid reinforcing a gender binary that excludes trans and nonbinary folks. (Although I’ll still use the terms women and men sometimes, just “people” is better.) Remember that poverty and systemic racism make abortion access more difficult for some people than others, and give space for those voices. You may be “safe” for now based on your circumstances, but that doesn’t mean you get to sit on the sidelines.
Don’t replicate efforts. Abortion is still legal in all fifty states, and that is solely due to the efforts of persistent people with serious expertise, dedication, and resources. Don’t go out and try to start your own thing—be humble and join up.
Don’t spread hysteria or misinformation. Science always matters, but in issues related to the intersection of anatomy and ethics, it’s especially important to be accurate. Hold yourself to a high standard. Don’t waste time honoring bad faith arguments. Don’t share shit that’s not accurate and helpful.
Donate time and money to established organizations that are already doing good work. These are the ones I’ve heard good things about (please add more in the comments):
Fucking vote. Presidential elections are important—but if it’s the only one you vote in, you’re part of the problem.
full article: On Pulling Weeds and Fighting Back: How (and Why) to Protect Abortion Rights
