Abortion Supporters To Speak Out for National Day of Action in Solidarity with Texas

Tomorrow, in direct response to the spate of abortion restrictions introduced around the country, supporters and advocates for abortion rights and reproductive freedom will speak out as part of a national day of action to demonstrate broad support of abortion access in the face of these attacks.

The day of action comes as S.B. 8, Texas’s draconian six-week abortion ban, is set to take effect, and ahead of Supreme Court oral arguments on a case from Mississippi that could reverse or dismantle Roe v. Wade.

The Texas law bans abortion at six weeks -- before many people even know they are pregnant -- and includes a “sue thy neighbor provision” allowing anti-abortion activists, distant relatives, abusive partners, or even a stranger from out of state to report anyone suspected of obtaining an abortion, or helping someone get an abortion in Texas, and collect $10,000 for each successful claim.

The Texas Policy Evaluation Project estimates the law will mean only 16% of Texans seeking abortion will be able to get care in-state. Those who can afford to travel hundreds of miles out of state (an average increase of 7 hours round trip), take time off work, arrange child care and transportation, and pay out-of-pocket can get an abortion out of state, but as many of 46% of people seeking abortions in Texas will likely carry their pregnancies to term against their will.

The Texas bill is part of a national agenda to end access to abortion in this country. With nearly 600 abortion restrictions introduced this year alone — 90 of which were enacted — 2021 has been the most hostile legislative year for reproductive rights and health since Roe was decided nearly 50 years ago.

The national day of action will send a loud and clear message to politicians: Banning abortion is dangerous, deeply unpopular, and people will not stand for it.

The press conference will also be livestreamed on the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund Facebook page for those who wish to attend virtually.

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