6 Ways to Get Involved To Protect Abortion Rights
As reproductive rights are under attack, many organizations have raised awareness, but do you know how you can help? Being teenagers, it is essential that we educate ourselves and the people around us, because in a couple years’ time, we will be facing the consequences. Below are several ways that you can get involved in the fight.
A common and realistic way to get involved is to write letters to your local news editors. You can find their email online and write to them about specific cases or the circumstances of reproductive rights in your state.
You can also advocate to your legislative officials and state representatives. There are many ways to reach out to them, such as writing letters, sending emails, or calling their office when legislation arises that affects reproductive rights. When you contact them, tell them about what you expect when it comes to your rights and don't forget to follow up when their votes are cast!
If you are 18 or over, vote on Election Day and encourage your friends and family to do so too! In the last presidential election, there was an 11 percent increase in younger voters since the 2016 election, and I believe that we can raise the amount of younger voters even more. Voting in your local elections and national elections is key to achieving justice for reproductive rights. If you are not yet at voting age, you can pre-register on this site depending on your state’s laws.
If you are really passionate and have the financial means, you can raise money for a pro-choice fund or even start one. This is a great way to make sure all women can have access to safe abortions. For more information, visit abortionfunds.org to find funds in your state.
You can also get involved with your school. Speak during assemblies and maybe even start a club or initiative. You can bring in pro-choice advocates and eduate your school on current issues regarding reproductive rights.
And finally, you can always stay engaged and connected through social media. Here are some useful accounts to follow and stay connected with: Center for Reproductive Rights, Women’s March, Planned Parenthood, and Pro Choice America. Try to repost and create content to educate your followers.
As these are all the ways you can get involved individually, Teens for Choice is going to be launching some upcoming initiatives in the future. Over the summer, we will start our 100 letters intitivate, sending at least 100 letters to legislators, advocating for abortion rights. After launching our 100 letter initiative, we will start a pro-choice fund so make sure to stay connected to hear about it in the future!
Sources:
https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/half-youth-voted-2020-11-point-increase-2016
https://www.aclu.org/other/keep-marching-what-you-can-do-protect-reproductive-freedom
