Welcome to this first #BadFaithMedicine Breakdown of 2022! I have missed writing to you and shedding light on the #BadFaithMedicine the anti-abortion movement loves to push. Whether it’s anti-abortion fake clinics, so called ‘abortion pill reversal’, or spreading active disinformation, the anti-abortion movement is held up by white supremacist ideologies keen on stripping constitutional rights from anyone seeking to exist in their own bodies in the way that is best for them.
Right now, I am compelled to speak up in support of transgender youth and their families. Transphobia is a reproductive justice issue, and myths about health care needs for trans people are dangerous, unethical #BadFaithMedicine. Full stop. Our movement is expansive, complex, and ever changing; we need to ensure our principles and tactics reflect that.
Texas lawmakers can’t seem to help themselves from deputizing their citizens to invade the privacy and safety of their neighbors. [1] As if implementing a ban on any abortions past six weeks wasn’t enough, the monster continues to rear its ugly head: Last week the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services was directed to classify any gender-affirming care for trans children in Texas as child abuse, and to investigate any instances of minors accessing elective procedures as a part of their gender affirming care plan. This means Texas wants health care providers and other adults that should be a source of trust in a child’s life are being called to report the parents of transgender children, and could even criminalize people who are NOT reporting parents of trans children. [2, 3]
This is an egregious attack on human rights. Anti-trans and anti-abortion legislation are two sides of the same coin; small-minded, ignorant cowards criminalizing and dehumanizing their constituents rather than making space to learn about and improve upon other life experiences. The violence that has ensued and will continue from this is only hurting the exact people they are claiming to help.
Gender affirming care is lifesaving, and denying trans children that care is #BadFaithMedicine akin to the anti-abortion disinformation we fight regularly, and with the same heinous goals. Opponents will stop at nothing to restrict bodily autonomy and enforce rigid gender roles and identities, regardless of the harms it causes.
Every single person deserves to live a life where they are in complete control of their bodies and choices. We condemn intentional spreading of disinformation about transgender children and their families, and recognize that it’s just as dangerous as the violent rhetoric trans adults face.
Want to learn more about gender affirming health care? You’re in luck! Last fall we held an incredible webinar on gender affirming care for young people, smashing all of the disinformation about trans youth that drive this kind of violent legislation.
As always, stay safe, stay vigilant, and call out the hateful spread of #BadFaithMedicine near you – a good start is using our anti-abortion fake clinic database.
In solidarity,
Tenaja Henson
Campaign Coordinator
Based in Greensboro, North Carolina
Sent via ActionNetwork.org.
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