Written by Cheree Franco
Hi friends! Let’s talk critical situations involving female-bodied people that have been on our hearts and minds, and how you can help. The abortion ban in Texas has made us think and closely examine the issues that have surfaced globally...
THE TALIBAN IS BACK. THAT’S TERRIFYING. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Women in Afghanistan are risking their lives to fight for their rights. Previously under Taliban rule, women were swathed in burkas, were not allowed to leave their homes without a male guardian, and were not allowed to study or work. Breaking these rules had dire consequences, including public executions and beatings so harsh they could be fatal. Women were stoned for having sex or for even being suspected of having sex, whipped for speaking with men on the phone, and shot for shopping without male accompaniment.
Things got better, once the Taliban was overthrown. But now the Taliban is back, and women are already being forced from their jobs at gunpoint, told to stay home, and denied education. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and just tune out, but there are some on-the-ground organizations that are specifically helping women. If you care about Afghan women, these seem like highly legit places to send your dollars:
-
Vital Voices is working in partnership with Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace & Security to provide support for women on-the-ground in Afghanistan and to organize evacuations.
-
Women For Afghan Women is another grassroots organization that gets high ratings from GreatNonprofits.org.
-
Afghanistan Diaspora Hub created a list of vetted nonprofits working with Afghans and Afghan refugees.
MEANWHILE, IN TEXAS…
Recent Texas legislation made abortions illegal as soon as a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Most women don’t even realize they’re pregnant until they’ve missed a period, which could be five or six weeks. This law effectively bans abortions in the state, since by the time women understand their situation and seek help, it is likely too late.
Additionally, the law incentivizes random citizens, who may not even know the people seeking reproductive healthcare, to sue abortion providers. The government offers $10,000 plus legal expenses, to anyone who brings a successful lawsuit against a provider. THIS MEANS TEXAS TAXPAYERS ARE SUBSIDIZING THESE RIDICULOUS LAWSUITS—these suits that invade a female-bodied person’s privacy and seek to punish providers who uphold national law, as established in Roe v. Wade.
Of course, this abortion ban disproportionately affects low-income Texans who don’t have the funds or ability to travel for reproductive healthcare. Corporations (such as the Austin-based dating app, Bumble) and activists have taken a stand, and there are still resources for people with uteruses in Texas seeking abortions. This article has a great list of grassroots organizations that could use your financial contributions and that are helping Texans handle unwanted pregnancies.
