Talk Inclusively About Abortion
Some Do's and Don'ts
Last updated 6-24-22 @ 11:45 am Eastern.
Don’ts
One: Create inaccessible resources
If you're sharing photos, charts, etc., put alt text on those for those of us who are visually impaired, blind, have migraines, struggle to read text on images, etc.
You can learn more about accessibility on Chronic Sex.
Don't be inaccessible while talking about lack of access, k?
Two: Call abortion a "woman's right to choose."
I'm a transgender man. I have a uterus and could easily get pregnant. This is about my bodily autonomy, too, and reducing the situation to only cis women ignores too many of us - AND misgenders us. Don't cause more violence.
See also: don’t make comments about how “if men could get abortions…” We can.
Side note: Here are inclusive birthing terms. Use them.
Three: Ask people why they don’t do XYZ with their genitals or bodies.
I almost died during top surgery and was told to avoid all surgeries unless I absolutely couldn’t.
Furthermore, as someone who helps people access a variety of healthcare for my day job, I can tell you accessing sterilization procedures - even for trans folks - is not easy.
Four: Ignore how laws on bodily autonomy affecting a variety of communities are tied in here.
This is part of what folks like Lorde have meant when discussing the interconnectedness of oppression.
Side note: Don’t unfollow people who are talking about these intersections.
Five: Act like a person's interest in this matter is only based on their bodily functions.
Cis women can be interested in this if they have no uterus or struggle with infertility. Trans folks without a uterus can be concerned RE bodily autonomy. (See 3 for more)
Six: Engage in racism or bigotry to support your point.
Sharia law is a specific thing. It is not what is happening here.
PS: Don’t overlook how bigotry has played into banning abortion.
Seven: Blame religion, period.
This isn’t religion. It’s authoritarianism and fascism.
Some religions, such as Satanism and Judaism, actually support access to abortion.
Eight: Make arguments that Viagra, Cialis, etc., should be banned if abortion is.
Not only is Janet’s point vital, but many trans people need access to these medications in order to have sex as well.
Nine: Assume you’ll be okay because you live in a ‘northern’ state.
Eighteen states have “trigger laws” to ban abortion if Roe is overturned or have pre-Roe abortion bans still on the books. Additionally, some states have laws — not currently in effect — banning abortion after six to eight weeks.
Ten: Forget the people who need or get abortions without an emergency.
It's tempting to focus on those needing abortions in emergent situations, such as those who would otherwise die without an abortion. It's vital that we don't forget stories like those from my anonymous friend.
Any reason for abortion is enough.
Eleven: Make moral judgments.
Twelve: Act like those against reproductive rights should adopt children.
Kids aren’t your pawns.
Dos
One: Think before you share information.
-Does this tweet contain accurate information, or am I contributing to doom scrolling or panic?
-Is this harmful to folks in the transgender, disability, BIPOC, and additional communities?
-Do I need a break?
Two: Listen to those who have attempted to or successfully accessed abortion.
Three: Take time to learn about the laws in your area and the history.
If you're new to this work, you may not realize some of the laws that pre-date Roe v Wade make even 'liberal' states ban abortion.
Go read this NPR article.
Four: Prepare.
I know that it's easy to feel upset and lost right now. I took my time for that last night. Now that we've seen a game plan, it's time to prep our defense.
-Connect with bodily autonomy-related orgs
There are already plenty of abortion funds and mutual aid funds. Do not attempt to reinvent the wheel.
-Stock up on Plan B
Only do this if you are connected with organizations or ways to distribute this to people who may need it. This is not for your personal use.
Recognize that Plan B is not effective for everyone. There is a weight limit. (Yeah, I know, I make that face every time I think about it, too.)
Using Plan B multiple times in one month can be incredibly harmful, especially depending on health issues, medications, etc. That’s especially true for mental health conditions such as depression.
-Share resources that are inclusive and justice-focused
Note: I deleted a tweet from my initial thread that inspired this piece. Learn more.
Further reading
Linktree from Julia with vital information on safe protesting, abortion access, etc.
Here's what could happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned by Joe Hernandez
The Racist History of Abortion and Midwifery Bans by Michele Goodwin
To Be Pro-Choice, You Must Have the Privilege of Having Choices by Monica Simpson
Gender-inclusive terms for pregnancy, birth, and sexual health
Transgender People Tell Their Abortion Stories in Trans Bodies, Trans Choices by Brittney McNamara
Trans & nonbinary people get abortions, too by Courtney Cooper
Trans-Inclusive Abortion Services (pdf) by Options for Sexual Health
Thanks for reading! If you have feedback or anything you’d like to share, feel free to reach out to me on social media or email (all linked here).
Until next time,
Grayson