Immediately after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the US, several states, including Alabama, banned abortion based on a previously enacted law. In Alabama's case, there are zero exceptions to the abortion ban except for a threat to the mother's life, which is specifically what this petition is meant to change. This means that, in cases of rape or incest, there is no right to an abortion in Alabama. Women who are forced into having sex with a man and end up pregnant must go through with the pregnancy under the current structure of the law. Victims of incest who end up pregnant, where the baby has a high likelihood of having birth defects, must go through with the pregnancy. Children that are groomed and who end up pregnant must go through with the pregnancy. Hindered access to abortion also disproportionately affects low-income communities, where many women have been victims of sexual assault. Yes, adoption may be an option, however, the foster care system is in ruins. Banning abortions will not get rid of abortions, but will only lead to more illegal, unsafe abortions. 

This is the reality of the effects of the overturning of Roe v Wade in Alabama. We do have the power to change this. If enough people's voices are heard, change can be possible. That is why I am sending this petition to the Alabama State House of Representatives and Alabama State Senate, specifically Greg Albritton and Harry Shiver, who represent my area. By signing, you will support the right to abortion in Alabama, especially for survivors of rape and incest. Making these "exceptions" a reality in Alabama abortion laws again will be the first step in the entire process of allowing ALL Alabama women access to safe, legal abortions -- and that first step is exactly what this petition is trying to accomplish!