In 2022 the Supreme Court took away a woman's constitutional right to an abortion. Statehouses nationwide immediately enacted laws to ban abortions. As of January 9, 2023, 12 states including Arkansas are enforcing a near-total ban on abortion with very limited exceptions. Reproductive rights are essential for women to enjoy their human rights. These rights are centered on women’s ability to make the best choices for their lives, including the number of children they have, if any, and the spacing between their children’s births.
Here are six ways we can help women get access to the abortion care they need:
Speak out for abortion rights
Advocacy is an important part of making change. Speak out for abortion rights in Arkansas and make your voice heard. By writing letters to elected officials, attending rallies and protests, and speaking out on social media, you can help spread the word and move the needle. When you speak out, you encourage others to join in and amplify your message. When it comes to making change, every voice matters. So take action, speak out, and make a difference.
Educate yourself
Abortion is completely banned in Arkansas with very limited exceptions because of an Arkansas law that went into effect on June 24, 2022.
If you’re in Arkansas, you’ll need to travel out of Arkansas to get an abortion unless you qualify for an exception. Exceptions are very limited and include:
To save the pregnant person's life.
It’s legal for you to leave Arkansas and get an abortion out of state.
"It's frightening. I would be afraid to start a family under the current circumstances because if I rolled into an emergency room with ruptured membranes at 17 weeks or my daughter did or someone dear to me, I could not trust that they would get the care that they needed in this state at this time." Kathleen Paulson, MD
Support organizations that defend abortion rights
Many organizations actively advocate for the right of individuals to access abortion services. To support those who defend abortion rights, consider donating to organizations such as Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, or the Center for Reproductive Rights. These organizations work to protect and advance
reproductive freedom and provide access to vital reproductive health care services. They also provide education and advocacy on issues related to reproductive health and reproductive rights. By supporting these organizations, you can help to ensure that individuals have the right to make their own reproductive decisions.
Vote, encourage others to vote, and help register voters
Make sure you are registered to vote and that you are informed about the candidates and their positions on abortion rights. Encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to get registered and vote.
Support abortion access
Every person has the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and access to safe abortion. We can volunteer at a local clinic, provide transportation to those who need it, or donate supplies. Our help will ensure that everyone has access to the health care they need. Together, we can create a world in which everyone has the right to make their own reproductive health decisions.
"The threat to abortion access across the country is more dangerous than anything we have seen in nearly half a century. Supporters like you help build our movement — there's a role for everyone to protect sexual and reproductive health care." Planned Parenthood
Spread the word
Spread the word about the importance of keeping politicians out of our healthcare decisions. Talk to your friends and family about how this decision affects everyone and why it’s critical to protect our rights. Use social media to get the word out and make sure your voice is heard. Encourage others to join the fight and stay informed about the latest developments.
Overall, politicians should never be involved in women's reproductive choices. Governments should trust women to know what is best for their bodies, their physical and mental health, and their lives. There are many ways you can get involved and give support: speaking out, educating yourself, donating, voting, volunteering, and spreading the word. Figure out what is best for you and together let's restore access to abortion healthcare for everyone in need.
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