Abortion Tragedies and a Georgia Victory

Latest

Abortion rights rally outside DNC, Chicago, 2024. Photo/Nanzi Muro

Two Black women died recently in Georgia because they were unable to obtain basic abortion health care due to the fear of prosecution by hospitals and doctors under that state’s 6-week abortion ban. State legislatures in red states are imposing draconian laws, and when people try to get abortion access put on the ballot, the legislatures block their attempts. Democracy is strangled as people’s bodily autonomy is taken away.

However, a victory was won recently in Georgia when Fulton County Judge Robert McBurney struck down the state’s abortion ban as unconstitutional, leaving an earlier law allowing abortion up to 22 weeks in effect. The judge wrote in his ruling that “liberty in Georgia” includes “the power of a woman to control her own body . . . and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices.” The judge wrote that “women are not some piece of collectively owned community property the disposition of which is decided by majority vote.”

One of the reasons this victory came about was because grassroots organizations such as Sister Song Women of Color Reproduction Justice Collective and others filed a lawsuit against the State of Georgia, and the county judge took a firm stand on the side of justice.

“Today’s win was hard-fought and a significant step in the right direction towards achieving Reproductive Justice in Georgia” said Sister Song Director Monica Simpson. 

“Georgia has an opportunity to ensure we are able to live beyond tragic circumstances, to ensure that physicians will be able to act in their expertise, and to ensure that no one else has to die unnecessarily,” said the Director of Feminist Women’s Healthcare Center.

The struggle continues. The ruling will be appealed by the State.

This case reveals that who we elect at the local and state levels is critically important, and when they do not represent our wishes, we organize to oppose them, and victory is possible.

Editor’s note: As we go to print, the Supreme Court has put on hold the abortion rights victory until the State of Georgia’s appeal has been heard. 

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

More from the People's Tribune