Resources and Support after Roe v Wade

The overturning of Roe v Wade has been devastating, to say the least. Folks with uteruses in the US are now at the mercy of their state governments, many of whom had punishing trigger laws that went into effect the millisecond Roe v Wade was out of the way. And it isn’t about limiting access to healthcare; it’s about control. In conjunction with several other rulings and brutal state laws, they’re making it so it’s easier to arrest people and disenfranchise them. They’ve made it easier to illegally search your home and detain you. They’ve made it easier to arrest you without reading you your rights. They’re buying your data from tracking apps on your phone, pharmacies, even grocery/pharmacy reward cards to figure out when you stopped having a period so they can prosecute you. And once you’ve got a felony on your record, you can’t vote in many states, taking away the only voice you have against a government that only recognizes you as a person if your state does. This isn’t a new playbook either; they’ve been doing this to the BIPOC community since slavery was abolished. Next on the docket, per “Justice” Thomas’ own words, is contraception, same-sex marriage, same-sex relationships in general, and interracial marriage. All of these rulings are going to disproportionately affect already underserved, underfunded, and underprotected communities. It feels really hopeless, but there are some things we can all do.

For protecting yourself

  • STOP USING PERIOD TRACKING APPS AND CALENDARS ON YOUR PHONE. Time to go back to a planner or physical calendar. Treat all of them like this; the chances they’ve sold your data prior to this point are high.

    • Addendum to the period trackers: Men or people who don’t menstruate, download these apps. Create a fake persona who has a uterus. Track wildly. People have been tracking the days they worked out, the days they watered their plants, the days their cat horked up a hairball. Fuck up their data.

  • BUY MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS IN BULK. Try to get at least 6 months’ worth, a year is better. If you can switch over to a period cup or something similar, even better.

  • USE AN ENCRYPTED SERVICE. Don’t text or plan anything about abortion services (whether seeking or helping someone access) without using an encrypted service. Get burner phones if you need them. Use a secure browser AND a VPN.

For protesting/dealing with cops

  • DON’T BE IDENTIFIABLE. Cover your face, wear nondescript clothing, and clothing you can move in if you need to. Don’t paint a target on your back, for the sake of those around you, and make it hard for them to identify you afterwards.

  • LAWYER UP IMMEDIATELY AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH. If you’re detained or arrested, you say nothing that isn’t "Am I being charged?", “I’m exercising my 5th amendment rights,” and “I’m not speaking to you without my lawyer present.” If you need to find a lawyer, check out the National Lawyer’s Guild.

  • DO NOT TRUST ANONYMOUSLY ORGANIZED RALLIES/PROTESTS. A lot of folks have gotten arrested at such events because they’re designed to entice you out. Be smarter than the people who want to keep the boot to your neck.

  • BRING WATER. Not only is it summertime and hot out, but you’ll need it for tear gas.

  • For more protesting advice: https://www.law.nyu.edu/centers/race-inequality-law/protest-tips

Regarding voting

This advice, while accurate, feels frustrating. Because many of us have been, and what’s happening now has been in the works a lot longer than many of us have been alive. Even still, you need to use your voice as much and as loudly as you can, while you can. A lot of places are making it really hard to vote, but it is essential, especially in those areas where they don’t want you to. The judges on the docket are especially important right now, as they seem to be the last line of defense in a lot of cases. Don't just vote along party lines, either; check to see what initiatives your representatives have backed and make sure they're doing their job. Yell at them if they aren't.

For men specifically

Your silence is painful. And noted. You have rights to yourself that a lot of us can only dream of right now. If you can do nothing else, at least reach out and check in and let the impacted people in your life know you’re there. Please note that this is the bare minimum, though. We need voices, we need action, and we need your help.

For everyone

Please take extra care of yourself and your loved ones. This is a really painful time, and we're fighting an uphill battle. We're here to support each other (since our government doesn't want to). Our Discord community is always here for you. We'll be posting some additional info graphics and resources there as well.

Stay safe out there.