Weâre proceeding with the understanding that limiting reproductive rightsâparticularly access to safe and legal abortionâis 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 youâre curious as to why.)
Whatâs 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. Hereâs how.
Stop framing this fight a womenâs 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 outâand this conversation most definitely includes them and needs them.
Donât leave people out. Abortion access touches race, class, and gender. Avoid reinforcing a gender binary that excludes trans and nonbinary folks. (Although Iâll still use the terms women and men sometimes, just âpeopleâ 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 âsafeâ for now based on your circumstances, but that doesnât mean you get to sit on the sidelines.
Donât 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. Donât go out and try to start your own thingâbe humble and join up.
Donât spread hysteria or misinformation. Science always matters, but in issues related to the intersection of anatomy and ethics, itâs especially important to be accurate. Hold yourself to a high standard. Donât waste time honoring bad faith arguments. Donât share shit thatâs not accurate and helpful.
Donate time and money to established organizations that are already doing good work. These are the ones Iâve heard good things about (please add more in the comments):
Fucking vote. Presidential elections are importantâbut if itâs the only one you vote in, youâre part of the problem.
full article: On Pulling Weeds and Fighting Back: How (and Why) to Protect Abortion Rights
