AUSTIN, Texas —
Several activist groups across the state have come together to launch the Texas Abortion Advocacy Network.
While there is a near-total abortion ban in Texas, the activists are working to restore and expand reproductive rights in the state. They are offering a free 10-week digital training experience to teach people how to become abortion rights advocates.
“Since we can’t rely on the courts to protect our reproductive rights, we the people must organize and claim our freedom to make personal decisions about our bodies and our futures,” said Blair Wallace, policy and advocacy strategist at the ACLU of Texas.
“Now, more than ever, the Texas Abortion Advocacy Network is a vital resource, fostering a community of informed and passionate champions for reproductive justice in the Lone Star State," Wallace added. "Through our network, we build power and community throughout the state to create a future where people will decide their own destinies, including when and if they have children. This network serves as a beacon of hope and resilience.”
The statewide network will mobilize supporters to respond to local threats and protect access to contraception and family planning resources.
The network is made up of the ACLU of Texas and several other abortion advocates from across the state, including one called Fund Texas Choice. It's based in Austin and funds support for people seeking abortion care out of state.
Heather Allison, public policy and communications associate for Fund Texas Choice, said the group hopes to be able to give people the tools they need to speak up.
"We hope that people are just given kind of the context, the history, the understanding of how these laws are created and how abortion impacts people across the state and are able to not only advocate for abortion at the local level but also, you know, spread the word throughout their community," Allison said.
When asked what she would say to critics of the network who may accuse the activists behind it of breaking the law or doing something they shouldn’t, she said they are just expressing their First Amendment rights.
“Nothing we are doing is against the law. Speaking out in favor of abortion access is protected by everyone's First Amendment. And we are just simply giving people the education and the tools they need to advocate for what they believe in," Allison said. "Just because abortion has been banned in Texas does not mean that this fight is over. And if people are still looking to get involved, there are ways for them to get involved."
The network's 10-week course starts this week, but there is no cut-off point to join. Anyone interested can still sign up.