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Dear John,
It’s now been two months since Texas Senate Bill 8 obliterated abortion access for pregnant people in Texas. On September 1, the Supreme Court had an opportunity to block the law—but they refused. The fight is not over though. Today the Supreme Court will hear arguments from providers, advocates, and the Department of Justice challenging the law.
Whatever the outcome today, this blatantly unconstitutional law has had devastating effects, many of which will be felt long-term. For 61 days, people who need abortions in Texas have had to travel on average 230 miles further—a 14 times increase—to reach the nearest clinic, and in an untold number of cases, are being denied abortion care. And the fearless Texas abortion providers and advocates who are helping people get the care they need do so at great risk. And, of course, we are seeing similar legislation being introduced in other states.
No law or court decision should ever get in the way of people accessing the abortion care they need when they need it. But that is the unjust reality of what’s happening in Texas right now. Despite the uncertainty of the Supreme Court’s decision, there are many amazing groups on the ground working hard to protect abortion access in Texas.
Here are some organizations you can support:
We’ll be listening to oral arguments this morning, because ultimately what happens in Texas (or any other state) will affect all of us. But no court decision or law can tell us what we know to be true—abortion actually is love, dignity, and compassion. No matter the decision, we promise to never stop fighting to protect and expand access to our fundamental right to abortion.
In solidarity,
Heather Shumaker
she/her/hers
Director of State Abortion Access
National Women’s Law Center
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