Abortion-rights group navigates ‘unprecedented’ legal territory in Alabama
A crowd gathers during a protest against the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade on Saturday, June 25, 2022, in Birmingham. Several hundred people massed in Linn Park for a rally organized by the Yellowhammer Fund which provides financial assistance for people seeking abortion care.
Earlier this year, Yellowhammer Fund was helping around 250-300 people access abortion care every month in Alabama. The non-profit connects clients to clinics both in and out of state and offers funding for abortion care, transportation and hotel stays
“For some of these folks, we are literally helping them figure out how to navigate air travel for the first time, how to get on a bus that goes outside of their city for the first time,” said Kelsea McLain, Yellowhammer’s director of health care access.
These services are likely to see increased demand now that elective abortion is outlawed in Alabama.
But last week, Yellowhammer announced that it would temporarily stop offering advice and distributing money for abortion care amid legal concerns about possible legal repercussions.
“We’re trying to figure out what kind of guidance we can give people without endangering them or provoking the state to start going after us or pursuing us as an organization,” McLain said.
Last month, Alabama leaders celebrated a U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban and overturn Roe v. Wade, ending a federal right to abortion.
“The issue of abortion now returns to the States,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement, “Alabama has unequivocally elected to be a protector of unborn life.”
Under a 2019 abortion ban, performing the procedure is a felony punishable by 10 to 99 years in prison. There are no exceptions for age, rape or incest. Abortion is only allowed if there’s a serious health risk to the mother.
The law says women receiving abortions will not be criminalized.
But McLain says it’s “new, unprecedented territory” and questions remain about how state leaders could apply the legislation in combination with other statutes, including Alabama’s Chemical Endangerment Law.
Yellowhammer is taking two weeks to research and meet with lawyers and telling clients in need of abortion funding to check back after July 15.
“We didn’t want to just tell people we’re closed and we have no idea when we’re reopening because that’s hopeless and we don’t want to be that hopeless as an organization. We are filled with immense hope,” McLain said.
The non-profit continues to provide other services like emergency contraception and sex education.
They’re directing clients seeking abortion care to websites with information about out-of-state clinics that perform abortion and groups that assist with funding.
McLain says they’re keeping a list of everyone who’s been turned away for help, about 70 people as of last week.
Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
For Ukrainians, a nuclear missile museum is a bitter reminder of what the country gave up
The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces tells the story of how Ukraine dismantled its nuclear weapons arsenal after independence in 1991. Today many Ukrainians believe that decision to give up nukes was a mistake.
Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church's president.
Winter storm brings heavy snow and ice to busy holiday travel weekend
A powerful winter storm is impacting parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills. The conditions are disrupting holiday travel and could last through next week.
Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79
Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.
‘It’s behind you!’ How Britain goes wild for pantomimes during the holidays
Pantomimes are plays based on a well-known story — often a fairy tale — which are given a bawdy twist. The audience is expected to join in throughout, shouting as loudly as they can.
