North New Jersey DSA
September 14th, 2021
TW: Brief mention of sexual assault.
As most have heard by now, on September 1st, 2021, Senate Bill 8 was passed in Texas, a near total abortion ban which the Supreme Court denied to block. The bill bans abortion after any cardiac activity of the embryo can be detected, around 6 weeks. For many this is before anyone who is carrying is even aware they’re pregnant. Nearly 80% of patients will now be ineligible for terminations. This bill is a purposeful circumvention of federal law. As another erosion of civil rights, the Court has empowered vigilantes to bypass federal law.
SB8 is a law that creates bounty hunters, paying anyone $10,000 plus legal fees to create a lawsuit against anyone who “aids and abets” an abortion. This law incentivizes people to inform on family members, clinic staff, neighbors and even taxi drivers. Not only will this bill hurt Texas, but it’s a blueprint for other states. Florida has already stated it will add a similar bill to their next state agenda. Even New Jerseyans are not without risk.
NNJDSA recognizes this as part of a sustained, conservative attack against reproductive rights, ongoing for 50 years, since the hard won 1973’s Roe v. Wade ruled abortion to be legal. Republicans, corporate elites have united with Christian organizations over the last fifty years to remove access to safe abortions. Ironically, the party of individual rights has been intent on removing rights from all who could give birth. Democrats have done little to protect this right.
We believe that abortion is healthcare and a human right. This bill will put many thousands of people at risk of dangerous, covert terminations. Forcing people to carry a baby to term, even in cases of incest and rape, is not only an overreach of the state, but is criminal and unspeakably cruel. No one should be forced to bring another life into this world, especially as our social safety net continues to decline with little to no support available for families across the country.
SB8 is also a reminder that conservatives will stop at nothing to strip rights away from marginalized people. The wealthy will be able to travel and procure abortions. Restricting safe and legal abortions hurts poor people and women of color disproportionately. And it not only affects women but also trans and non-binary folks – all groups discriminated against by in our broken and inhumane healthcare system.
As members of the North New Jersey chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), we advocate for bold policies such as Medicare for All that include reproductive healthcare that is inclusive and equitable. We stand in solidarity with the people of Texas, the comrades on the frontlines fighting for abortion access, and those putting together abortion funds/mutual aid networks which provide necessary services and resources.
As socialists, we demand free abortion on demand for all, with no apologies, excuses, or need for further explanation.
In the meantime, here are some ways that you can help today:
ActBlue has put together a fundraiser for abortion funds across Texas, which helps Texans pay for their procedures, provides rides to the clinic, and assists with other logistical and emotional support. Chip in if you can afford to help financially.
If you have some time, you can create a fundraiser for Texas Equal Access Fund, which provides resources to low-income people in the northern region of Texas. It’s easy to share your fundraiser on social media, and you have the option to share a story about why this cause is important to you. You can also donate directly here.
Planned Parenthood has faced sustained attacks on its organization and services for decades, and it needs our support more than ever. Volunteers help with everything, from escorting patients to data entry to helping with education programs. Anyone can get involved to protect safe and secure abortion access nationwide!
And more locally in New Jersey, the New Jersey Abortion Access Fund provides financial assistance to those seeking abortions.
Want to learn more about the M4A campaign here in Northern NJ? Check out: https://linktr.ee/nnjdsa_medicare4all
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