On Wednesday May 15th, Governor Kay Ivey signed into law HB 314, the Human Life Protection Act; however, this law is not a sweeping protection of human life. According to this law, once an embryo is “in utero,” attached to the uterine wall, it is considered a person, and the choice to have an abortion is taken from the individual carrying the embryo. This occurs between 4 – 6 days after fertilization, meaning that no one will have the opportunity to even realize they are pregnant before the right to abortion is taken from them.

This law is a draconian nullification of the human right to bodily autonomy. There is no exception to this law even for rape or incest, meaning the trauma of these events will be exponentially increased as the victims are forced to carry and give birth to their rapist’s child. The only exception to this law is cases where the mother’s life is in danger, and considering the fact abortion providers can face up to 99 years in prison if the procedure is deemed otherwise, it is very likely that providers will leave women in life threatening pregnancies due to fear of being prosecuted.  

Roe v. Wade established that we have the right to our own bodies and choices concerning abortion. Abortion is a right and it is healthcare. Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right. Not carrying your rapist’s child is a right. Abortion is a serious and personal decision, and we deserve to be given the respect to make that decision.

This law also disproportionately impacts marginalized and lower income groups. Currently, it is not illegal to leave the state seeking an abortion; however, for many travelling out-of-state is not an option. Individuals who act as caretakers, are disabled, or who are financially disadvantaged will be unable to seek these abortions. It does leave an opening for the for affluent cohorts of the politicians who set this into law to seek abortion services.

Due to these circumstances, it is imperative that HB 314 be repealed as quickly as possible. While eventually, we hope to see this bill quashed as unconstitutional and Roe v Wade reaffirmed by our courts, countless individuals will suffer through that process. The only way to remediate this issue in an expedited manner is to see it repealed.

Recent history with the North Carolina HB 2, Bathroom Bill, restricting trans rights has shown us that boycotts are an effective way to achieve this goal. This petition is to reach out to artists and businesses to implore them to give Alabamians the same solidarity and boycott Alabama until this law is repealed. Our goal is to make ourselves heard in one of the few ways our legislature will listen, economically. Please, sign onto this petition, which will be sent to the major musical performers who will be appearing in Alabama over the course of this year and a listing of businesses who support Planned Parenthood. If we can actualize this boycott, we may be able to prevent a great deal of suffering and exploitation.