They’re trying to make it illegal to leave the state
This month marks two years since Senate Bill 8 went into effect in Texas. Known as SB 8, the law was the first in the country since the constitutional protection of abortion access was passed to ban abortions at 6 weeks by what is known as a “heartbeat bill” (click that link for why that phrase is wrong!). It also included some novel legislation - a bounty system for individuals, not law enforcement, to be the ones empowered to implement the law as they saw fit. An especially cruel piece of legislation, SB 8 has sown confusion and fear among patients, abortion providers, and practical support groups, effectively banning abortion in the state over 9 months before Roe v Wade was overturned.
And new data released this week shows exactly what we’ve been saying would happen with these bans:
People have been forced to travel out of state in record numbers to access the healthcare they need, while many have not been able to travel at all, forced to carry their pregnancies to term or figure out other ways to manage.
Now TX officials are doubling down on their unconstitutional cruelty, seeking to prevent everyone from crossing state lines to access care. Practical support groups have their work cut out for them—and it’s only going to get harder.
But it’s not all doom and gloom here. September is also the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 - Oct 15), and this month we’re celebrating Reproductive Justice groups led by and serving Hispanic and Latinx communities. (Plus the decriminalization of abortion in Mexico! 🥳) Scroll down to meet one such organization, Frontera Fund, our partners in practical support who have been holding it down in Texas.
We’re just two weeks away from our big Practical Support Summit, and I can’t wait to share all of the impact that will come from this huge gathering of PSOs and allies from across the country.
In solidarity,
Marisa Falcon
Executive Director
Apiary for Practical Support
Last call for sponsorships! 🏆
Apiary would like to extend a gigantic THANK YOU to our Practical Support Summit sponsors. Thanks to your support, we will be able to bring practical support organizations from across the country together for two epic days of learning, community building, and brilliant scheming for abortion access.
Individuals, groups, companies, and organizations of all kinds can still join in the effort and make a contribution as an ambassador or corporate sponsor. Thank you—we could not do this without your support!
These are just a few of our incredible sponsors—add your name today!
Strategic Planning is Magic ✨
Speaking of brilliant scheming for abortion access, the whole Apiary staff and board finally came together in NYC a few weeks ago for our strategic planning retreat. It was a dream come true to get these thirteen (!) minds in one room to clarify our mission, vision, and values and chart our course for the coming year.
We want to share a special shout out for our strategic planning facilitators from Experiments In Freedom. With Syon Davis and Sesalli Castillo at the helm, EIF creates space for healing through art, self exploration, and connection with the earth. Thank you, thank you!
Partner Spotlight 🐝
This month we’re very excited to spotlight Hivemind member Frontera Fund, a Latinx-run organization that provides financial and practical support and community for folks seeking reproductive healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley and Texas border region.
Frontera Fund knows all too well that Dobbs wasn’t the first big crisis in abortion access. For many years they’ve been helping fellow Texans navigate a slew of draconian abortion restrictions while also advocating for more equitable policies like Rosie’s Law and raising awareness about the intersections between immigrant justice and abortion access.
For the past two years, Frontera Fund has been navigating the complicated legal landscape in their state, shining a light on the enormous potential for criminalization and the additional challenges that undocumented immigrants and other marginalized people face in traveling for abortion care in their region.
Make sure to follow Frontera Fund on Instagram, donate to support their work if you can, and spread the word about their mission and how others can join in the fight for bodily autonomy and human rights in Texas and beyond.
Merch Alert 🎽
And now for your friendly reminder that Apiary’s merch is still available and still awesome!
Show your support for abortion access and practical support with your choice of tote bags, mugs, hoodies, t-shirts, and more—all in a variety of color combos and styles for whatever range of temperatures you live in.
