Here's how you can help those affected by the terrifying Alabama abortion ban right now
If there was any doubt that conservative state legislators are dead-set on challenging Roe v. Wade, this past week has proved it. On May 14th, the Alabama state Senate passed the strictest abortion law in the country, which would ban almost all abortions in the state—with no exceptions for rape or incest. And on May 15th, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey officially signed the law, meaning that authorities can start enforcing the ban in six months. This news looks bleak for women in Alabama, but fortunately, there are ways to help.
Give money to those fighting for reproductive rights.
Currently, the Yellowhammer Fund provides financial assistance to residents of the state who need access to abortion services, and it also sometimes helps with transportation and lodging for patients (there are only three abortion clinics in all of Alabama). Amanda Reyes, the president of the fund, told Slate in an interview that the organization would continue to help fight for abortion rights even if the ban takes effect.
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Donating to the Yellowhammer Fund or similar organizations, like Access Reproductive Care Southeast, can be a good way to combat this punitive new law. Since abortion is still legal in Alabama until the law takes effect, you can also donate to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood Southeast.
We reached out to @yellowfund to find out what we can do in addition to sending $$. Click below to find out how you can directly supply the Reproductive Justice Resource Center project at the Birmingham Free Store to get everyone in Alabama the reproductive supplies they need. https://t.co/lIIBDVcNid
— amy bettys (@amybettys) May 16, 2019
Donate to organizations battling the law in court.
According to USA Today, Staci Fox, the chapter’s president, has pledged to fight the law in court. Randall Marshall, executive director of the ACLU of Alabama, has also vowed to challenge the legislation, so you can also donate to help one of these organizations with their efforts.
You're right this bill is "unenforceable," @GovernorKayIvey. We're going to fight like hell to make sure that this ban NEVER goes into effect — in the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box.
Count on it. #AlabamaAbortionBan #AbortionRights https://t.co/6i8pHK5hYt— Planned Parenthood Action (@PPact) May 15, 2019
Take to the streets.
If you live in Alabama, consider joining a local protest. The ACLU of Alabama tweeted that it will be holding a protest at Court Square Fountain in Montgomery at 4 p.m. on May 19th. The organization has also tweeted links to sister marches happening around the state at the same time.
📢 Whose state? Our state!
MONTGOMERY: Court Square Fountain, Sunday at 4pm
Info: https://t.co/f3SCt3E1K5 #AlabamaAbortionBan #withAlabama pic.twitter.com/yLvS98dexL— ACLU of Alabama (@ACLUAlabama) May 16, 2019
Volunteer with Planned Parenthood.
You can also sign up to become a clinic escort or otherwise volunteer with Planned Parenthood. Giving your time can make just as much of an impact as giving your money, and no matter where you live, your local Planned Parenthood is probably in need of help.
Contact your representatives.
As always, if you’re angry about this latest abortion law, tell your elected officials at both the federal and state levels. It’s their job to represent you and your political beliefs. Our thoughts are with the residents of Alabama right now. We stand with you, and we won’t stop fighting for your reproductive freedom.
