Feminist nonprofit director: What you can do today to protect abortion rights in Georgia

Editor's note: This column has been updated to reflect the recent Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade.

Kwajelyn Jackson is the Executive Director at Feminist Women’s Health Center, the only non-profit, locally-based organization in Georgia providing abortion care, while also protecting reproductive rights and promoting reproductive justice through organizing and advocacy.

It’s a tough time to work at an abortion clinic. Every day, we are flooded with calls from patients worried or confused about whether they can still get an abortion after hearing the news that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade.

Let me be clear: abortion is still available in Georgia. The Feminist Women’s Health Center is here to provide compassionate care for our community, and we’re not going anywhere.

We can’t deny the devastating impacts of the Supreme Court undoing our national legal right to abortion. Without Roe, extremist politicians in states like ours have free rein to pass cruel new abortion bans and restrictions. In Georgia, that includes HB 481, which bans abortion as early as around 6 weeks of pregnancy.

But what is also true is that we have the power to control our own bodies, lives, and futures, not the Supreme Court or politicians. We’ve defeated abortion bans before. We can, and must, continue to fend off these political attacks and build a state where all of our families and communities can thrive.

Rallying in support of abortion

Just this year, a handful of politicians tried to pass a bill that would block people from accessing medication-based abortion using telehealth services. This kind of medically-unnecessary restriction hurts us all, but is especially devastating for the many people - including Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, people who have low incomes, LGBTQ+ people, young folks and those living in rural communities - who already have to navigate structural barriers, neglect and harm in our health care system.

Fact check: Abortion-related deaths continued after Roe v. Wade, but occurred less often

Fortunately, abortion providers, people who have had abortions and people who love us, came together to speak out against this bill and we successfully defeated it. I’m inspired by the powerful and diverse movement we are building.

Research says the vast majority of people support the right to abortion, and I saw this to be true in Georgia as people of all faiths, races and walks of life came together to fight for reproductive justice this legislative session.

But you don’t have to go all the way to the statehouse or become an expert in healthcare or politics to make a difference. There are so many ways to contribute.

Change starts with you

Building a strong movement for reproductive justice starts with conversations at home, and you can be a powerful messenger for progress. Talk to your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers about abortion; help break down misconceptions and stigma.

Tell them why this fight is important to you, and that all people deserve to have control over if, when or how to grow their families, without political interference or judgment.

Be there to support the people in your life who decide to have an abortion - whether that’s driving them to an appointment, buying them a heating pad, or spending time with them after.

For subscribers: Supreme Court ruling poised to trigger maze of state abortion laws

If you’re able to donate to the movement, put your dollars toward grassroots organizations like abortion funds and independent clinics that directly connect folks to care they need and deserve, but can’t afford.

You can also attend a community event or sign a petition to show our elected leaders that we are fighting for reproductive justice. In a heated midterm election season, it’s more important than ever to be vocal about our support for abortion access.

The long road ahead

Anti-abortion extremists are sure to continue to try to exploit dangerous rhetoric to rile up their base. We must call out these efforts and ensure that our leadership represents our values - the values of the majority of Georgians.

Our leaders need to know: as the horrific implications of a post-Roe world take effect, they have a responsibility to use every tool in their arsenal to protect and expand access in Georgia, especially for those who already face systemic barriers to care.

We deserve not only the legal right to abortion but also policies that actually make abortion an affordable, accessible option for all people, regardless of income, race, gender or zip code.

No matter how you choose to show up, your support is vital. We all have a stake in this fight, because abortion isn’t just about health care. It’s about the freedom, control and power to shape our lives the way we want to. You don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Reproductive justice organizations are ready to help you get plugged into the work that is ongoing. 

There’s a long road ahead, and anti-abortion extremists will make sure it’s a hard fight. But our movement is growing. Join us in pushing back against cruel bans and politicians, protecting our right to abortion and expanding access to care across the state. Together, we can build more power in our communities and secure reproductive justice for all.

We’re at a turning point in our state, and we won’t back down.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Protect abortion rights in Georgia despite Roe v. Wade overturn