Solidarity in the Aftermath of Roe ??

Solidarity in the Aftermath of Roe ??

If you are still feeling rage after June 24th's news on Roe being overturned, you are not alone. Your rage is justified. Your rage is necessary. Your rage is sacred. There are times when it is necessary to release a rage that shakes the skies, and it has been reverberating throughout our nation since the decision was announced.

The upside to that rage??Collective action.?We are not going quietly into the night.

Here is why we must work to codify reproductive rights IMMEDIATELY!!

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?Conservative states will immediately do the following:

?1) criminalize abortion,

2) create the ability to sue someone who had an abortion.

This means:?anyone who lost a pregnancy, whether voluntary, ectopic or miscarriage, may be investigated.?Prosecutors can investigate the person who terminated (defendant) to assess whether it was voluntary. Doctors & relatives may be subpoenaed for testimony. Texts, emails will be compelled. There may be a legal battle in criminal and/or civil court, which is expensive & traumatic.

The fear & threat of being pulled into a legal battle will deter people from seeking life-saving medical care. It may also deter doctors from offering care.

They say,?“Women who had a miscarriage shouldn’t worry.” But it can be investigated whether it was voluntary/involuntary.

In conservative states, women experiencing miscarriages must seek care to have a medical record.

If the defendant loses, she can be fined and jailed. We may see mass penalties or imprisonment of women.

We will see no prosecution or imprisonment of the men who impregnated.

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What about IVF?

Conservative states may define personhood at fertilization (Louisiana already did). This means that embryos are “people” and losing them may be considered “involuntary manslaughter.” This may result in fertility clinics shutting down out of fear for prosecution.

?Families with frozen eggs in conservative states should call their clinics.

?Lastly, there are many great lawyers & organizations willing to defend you for free. Do not let the threat of litigation stop you from seeking healthcare. The lawyers are ready to fight for you. Resist.

?What are some action steps you can take to fight for reproductive freedom?

We are banding together in action. If you have not become acquainted?with?Chamber of Mothers?yet, please check out their?website?and?Instagram?pages.?This is an initiative?that I co-founded with some of my dear, fierce, and very influential mother colleagues to advance maternal rights, including paid leave, childcare, healthcare, gun safety and reproductive rights.?We have been hard at work behind the scenes, and have been sharing lots of education and resources on social.?Check out?this post?to read about the top 10 actions you can take right now in the fight for reproductive rights.?

?Your voice is powerful. Share resources and facts if you are able.

?Seek reputable sources of legal education. Become an expert on existing laws, and policies that can shape your voting choices.

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I wish I didn't have to give this information, but for those of you who live in (or have a loved one living in) a conservative state, here are 10 tips to prepare you for abortion-related litigation or prosecution:

  1. Everything you write can be evidence, including texts, journals, social media, emails, search history. Disable Alexa.
  2. Medical records can be compelled by the prosecution, regardless of HIPAA.
  3. Watch your phone! Fertility/pregnancy trackers can show the end of pregnancy. Location data may be compelled to track your medical visits. Prosecutors may engage forensic experts to download data off a cellphone or the cloud & may subpoena your provider's data on you too.
  4. Involuntary loss? Tell everyone it was a miscarriage/ectopic, in writing. Immediately go to the hospital and get a medical record to confirm it was a miscarriage/ectopic. Do not be discreet.
  5. Voluntary termination? Don't share it in writing. Tell trusted people in person. Ask your doctor if they have mandated reporting obligations. If you trust your doctor, ask if they can keep it out of your medical records. When in doubt, call a lawyer.
  6. Never go to a crisis pregnancy center as they are ready to report you. They are not on your side.
  7. Frozen eggs or embryos? Call your clinic and ask if there is risk of impact. Ask for the transfer policy. Have an emergency plan ready.
  8. Research local pro-choice organizations. They will know how to navigate your state laws and will have legal resources.
  9. Research safe haven clinics and organizations in progressive states. They will have legal resources.
  10. Phone calls are often recorded. Witnesses can be subpoenaed to testify about you.

Don't be afraid to call a lawyer. Many lawyers will take these cases pro bono.

Sending love to each and every one of you. We are in this together.

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