Anti-choice groups have spent decades calling abortion "murder," and now they are taking it a step further, proposing bills to criminalize it.
If passed, the proposed legislation in Indiana, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Oklahoma would legally classify abortion as a crime, charging individuals who obtain abortions with homicide. Legislators in Texas are also preparing to file a similar bill.
This legislation would impose severe penalties on those who have abortions, including life-in-prison sentences or even the death penalty for those who receive this healthcare in Indiana, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.
In South Carolina, the proposed legislation would also establish personhood at the moment of fertilization. This could classify contraceptives, such as IUDs and Plan B, as forms of abortion – an act criminalized as murder.
This is a stark reminder that we must take extremists at their word. Today, on the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, this reminder is more poignant than ever. We must remain vigilant and committed to protecting and restoring access to abortion in America.
The fight to defeat this proposed legislation and ensure women are not criminalized for seeking healthcare is happening at the state level. Project 50 is committed to building the infrastructure needed to win this fight. Our partner states, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Indiana, and Arkansas, are at the forefront of this battle.
We hope you will support our efforts to strengthen our state partners by giving a monthly contribution of $50. The introduction of these bills in three of our four target states reaffirms that we are exactly where we need to be, doing the critical work to safeguard reproductive rights.
Author and activist Jessica Valenti recently highlighted these legislative efforts in her nightly abortion newsletter. You can read the full newsletter HERE.
We understand that this is a challenging time, and it is heartbreaking to see the barrage of federal and state attacks on reproductive rights and the rights of so many of our brothers and sisters. While it may at times feel easier to look away, we urge you to stand with us. One day at a time, we can work toward a better future for those seeking reproductive healthcare in this country.
Always in choice,
Project 50 Team
Paid for by Project 50 (project50.net) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
