Texas’ new abortion law (S.B. 8) took effect on September 1st 2021. The law bans abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy — before many women even know they’re pregnant. The law does not make exceptions for rape or incest. The law includes a bounty-hunting scheme that encourages private individuals to sue anyone in Texas who violates it. More than a political decision, this new law attacks women’s fundamental rights to necessary healthcare.
 
Veterinary Medicine is a healthcare profession; one that is currently practiced by a vast majority of women. According to the most recent AVMA and AAVMC data, more than 60% of veterinarians (private and public), 80% of enrolled students, and nearly 90% of the certified veterinary technicians are women.
 
Many of us do not support this law but lack meaningful opportunity to oppose this attack on women. One avenue to voice our objections is through our ability to withdraw economic support for Texas by choosing to attend the 2022 ACVIM forum remotely.
 
This petition seeks to balance meaningful protest against a desire to remain respectful and collegiate. This is not a petition against the 2022 Forum committee or its members, whom could not have anticipated this recent decision by the Texas legislature while planning the event. It is not an attack on anyone who will attend. It is merely our goal to provide an avenue for those who want to express support for the women who will be harmed by this law.  
 
If you are planning to attend the 2022 ACVIM Forum and would like to participate in this action for women’s rights, please sign this petition. Boycott in-person 2022 ACVIM Forum enrollment and sign-up for the remote registration only.