On Tuesday, the Alabama Senate passed legislation that would criminalize nearly all cases of abortion. If signed by the governor, they would become the most restrictive state in the US for abortion procedures.
According to USA Today, “the bill would make it a felony punishable by life or 10 to 99 years in prison to perform an abortion in the state of Alabama. Attempting to perform an abortion also would be a felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison.”
The only exceptions for the procedure would be if the life of the mother was in jeopardy or if the mother suffered from a mental illness that would result in her death or the death of the unborn, and if the unborn was diagnosed with a fetal defect that would result in death or stillbirth.
It’s likely the state will face legal challenges over the bill – both Planned Parenthood and the ACLU have said they will sue if it becomes law.
“The ACLU of Alabama, along with the National ACLU and Planned Parenthood, will file a lawsuit to stop this unconstitutional ban and protect every woman’s right to make her own choice about her healthcare, her body, and her future,” the ACLU of Alabama said in a statement. “This bill will not take effect anytime in the near future, and abortion will remain a safe, legal medical procedure at all clinics in Alabama.”
Reactions to the bill were strong on both sides.
62% of abortions in Alabama are performed on black women.
Black women are only 7% of the population but account for over 40% of ALL abortions performed in America.
Due to abortion, black population growth has stagnated.
Planned Parenthood is voluntary genocide for black America.— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) May 15, 2019
Alabama lawmakers are making all abortions a felony punishable w jailtime,incl women victimized by rape+incest.
Of course, no added punishments for rapists.
It’s going to @GovernorKayIvey‘s desk. She will decide the future of women’s rights in Alabama.https://t.co/IRR0EtsxHp
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 15, 2019
There have been four mass shootings in Alabama in 2019. The state is ranked 2nd in rate of gun deaths.
But last night, 25 men felt the “sanctity of life” is best addressed by forcing 12 year-old girls to carry their pregnancies to term + sentencing abortion doctors to 99 years. pic.twitter.com/RCk9D0BLC7
— Charlotte Clymer🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) May 15, 2019
Don’t move forward after reading this like everything is normal. Don’t shake your head at Alabama and then keep going about your day. Realize that this is a warning. It’s Alabama and abortion today. It’s you and your rights tomorrow. Your silence will not save you. So speak up. https://t.co/kIz78uAU1T
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 15, 2019
What are you doing for the millions of children in the US who live in extreme poverty? Do they not have heartbeats too? What about the migrant children crying for their mothers in cages? WAKE UP. Show some consistency. https://t.co/STIyOD7G30
— Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) May 15, 2019
The tide is turning. People are finally waking up to the horrors of abortion. They are finally seeing that the pro-abortion side has no arguments, no case. I think we are on the verge of something. The pro-death minions are afraid. They should be.
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) May 15, 2019
These are the people who just voted to ban access to all safe, legal abortion in Alabama: 25 white men. https://t.co/Tzz1IsXkFw
— Leana Wen, M.D. (@DrLeanaWen) May 15, 2019
When the Alabama abortion case goes to the Supreme Court, I hope your protest vote for Jill Stein was worth it.
— Bryan Behar (@bryanbehar) May 15, 2019
Whether it holds up in court or not, it’s time for the local church to step up (even more) & ensure we are caring for mothers in crisis. That we are offering hope, resources, help w/ adoption services, education, etc. That is Christians’ job.
— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) May 15, 2019