Three WAYS you can support bodily autonomy NOW
by WREN STAFF on Jan 18, 2023
Three WAYS you can support bodily autonomy NOW
Each year, the Women’s Right and Empowerment Network (WREN) works in community with others to advocate for the freedom to make decisions for ourselves and our bodies. WREN believes EVERYONE should have the right to decide what they want for themselves and their bodies. This freedom is known as bodily autonomy.
WREN’s fight for affirming rights like bodily autonomy are challenged each year by lawmakers in our state. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the right to an abortion, anti-abortion politicians in our state pursued an extremely harmful total abortion ban.
WREN organized with thousands across the state to advocate against this ban. We believe that banning access to abortion strips us away from the FREEDOM to make decision for ourselves and our bodies. It takes away our bodily autonomy. WREN will always stand up for these rights.
In December, Carolina Abortion Fund, The People’s Bail, Abundance Birthing Collective and WREN hosted a SOLD out screening of the HBO documentary ‘The Janes’. The documentary tells the story of an underground network of people in Chicago that provided low-cost and free abortions during a time when abortion was illegal. This network of people were known as the Janes.
During the screening, former Jane member Diane joined a discussion with other abortion rights advocates about ways we can all support the fight for bodily autonomy. Here are three ways in which you can get involved:
- Work Together.
“Ordinary people can do extraordinary things,” said Diane, at the screening. “You can work with all kinds of people! People don’t have to have the exact point of view on everything for you to work together.”
The truth is, when we work together, we make a bigger impact. CHANGE can only occur when we come together to push for it. We must work together to advocate for our rights.
- Make a commitment to anti-racism.
Racism is systems, beliefs, ideas, and actions that actively discriminate against, oppress or limit the rights of others. To make a commitment to anti-racism means actively working against those social and political systems that oppress and harm.
Tori, an abortion doula and executive director of Abundance Birthing Collective, encourages people to make a personal commitment to exploring the white supremacy within themselves. White supremacy is a belief system that historically has oppressed continents, nations, and peoples of color for the purpose of maintaining and defending a system of wealth, power, and privilege
“I don’t think we can truly be supportive of reproductive justice unless we address the white supremacy that we carry,” said Tori. “Deconstructing the white supremacy beliefs that we hold is crucial to gaining a deep understanding of reproductive justice rights.”
- Contact your legislator.
Our stories matter. We must utilize our voices and lived experiences to advocate for what we need. The best way to see change at the state level, is to talk to our elected officials.
Contacting your legislator gives you an opportunity to let them know how you feel. Legislators depend on our votes to keep their seat. By letting them know what policies you support, tells them how they can win your vote next election.
Camille, the Policy & Movement Builder at Carolina Abortion Fund, expressed excitement for creating a more inclusive world.
“I am really excited about a time that exists that we get to form legislation that exists for us by us instead of what we had before,” Camille said.
Take action and advocate for a future where everyone is safe and thriving! Sign up for WREN action alerts to take part in advocating for change. Link is here.