We are also reviewing the implications of the recent court decision on Massachusetts' laws and are planning on introducing comprehensive legislation, as may likely be needed, to shore up our statutes and guarantee that women in our state are protected and their rights preserved.
As states take draconian action and outlaw abortions, it is quite likely that Massachusetts will become a "safe haven" for out-of-state women seeking abortions. We must be ready to support and protect these women and their medical providers to ensure the health and safety of all.
Many of us are ready to move beyond outrage and despair and move into meaningful action. There are a variety of ways to do this. While demonstrations and events serve their purpose to bring awareness to the general public and the legislature, we must continue to channel that energy into meaningful action. You can donate to reputable abortion aid organizations, volunteer to be an abortion escort or chaperone, or offer profession-specific aid, like pro bono attorney work (where legal). Some of these options are not without risk, but all are essential to helping women have the final say over their personal medical decisions.
We also cannot discount the importance of spreading accurate information about safe abortions. Almost 20% of child-bearing-age women don’t know that medication abortions exist, let alone how to access them. Part of the insidious nature of these anti-choice campaigns is their cynical efforts to keep women in the dark about the options that already exist.
