Recently, The Texas State House of Representatives voted to pass Senate Bill 537, a law to ban abortions after 20 weeks. This law would have closed 37 of the state’s 42 abortion clinics. Given that Texas is a conservative (aka “red” state), it was nearly certain that the law would pass.
That’s when Wendy Davis, backed by an army of pro-choice activists and lawmakers, launched the most epic filibuster, standing from 11am until midnight to express how this bill would impact Texas women, ending a 30-day special session called by Governor Rick Perry. All over social media, supporter of Texas’ abortion clinics, and pro-choice advocates nationwide sent their support, many donating money to buy food and other items for the activists that stood outside while Wendy spoke. However, as of yesterday, the Texas House has begun debating on House Bill 2, essentially doing what Senate Bill 537 hoped to do. The House must approve the bill again on before it will be sent to the Senate.
It brought me back to something that I often don’t think much about: I’m a southerner, born and raised in Georgia (another red state) for over 25 years, before moving to New York in 2008. In a progressive state like New York where access to abortion, birth control, and other reproductive services are accessible for the most part, it’s often easy to remain in a bubble, neglecting to pay attention to what’s happening elsewhere. I may not think about my southern roots often, but one thing I do ponder is where my activism is most needed: in progressive states, or in what’s considered “red” or “flyover” states, where some of the worst policies against women’s reproductive rights are being introduced to state legislatures. At times I do wonder if I would I be considered an outsider, coming in to help “save the day?”, despite my southern upbringing.
How can “red” states and “blue” states work collectively for reproductive justice? Here are some important things to consider:
*It’s never an isolated issue: As we know, laws such as Texas’ SB 537 are never just isolated issues. A lawmaker in your state is more than willing to create a similar law to introduce to your state’s legislature (…and probably is right now).
*We should never say, “That’s how it is in ________”: To make comments such as, “Of course, things like this would happen in a red state” are very dismissive and shuts down the voices of those who are willing to do battle in their states to make sure that harmful bills like SB 573 don’t become law.
*Ongoing support is needed, not just short-term solutions: What’s happening in Texas is a testament to the strength of Texas reproductive justice activist community, and while those of us not living in Texas can do what we can to offer support (i.e. social media, petitions, sending money and supplies, etc.), it’s important to not settle just for that. As the good folks over at Flyover Feminism say, “Short-term bursts of effort centered around large-scale ‘moments of decision’ constitute big individual victories with no real long-term follow-through”. That’s important to think about.
*Collaboration is crucial: “Red” and “blue” states have to continue to work together to create best practices on how to deal with lawmakers seeking to limited the reproductive rights of women and girls. What is going well in one state, and how can it be implemented in another state, using that state’s current political climate? Solutions have to be tailored to your state’s current political climate.
*Moving to another state is not always the solution: Many activists living in red and flyover states often stay because they want to. Suggesting that one leave their home in order to gain access to other resources that may not be readily accessible in their current state isn’t always the solution, so questions like “Why don’t you just move?” doesn’t advance reproductive justice.
These aren’t the only things to consider, and it’s not enough to only know what’s happening in your own community. From the south to the west coast, it’s necessary to stand up and support each other. Not just to shut down laws that can restrict abortion access, but to scrutinize any law that will seek to do a disservice to the health and lives of women and girls, especially women and girls of color.
