West Hollywood elected and appointed officials will join community leaders, community members, and advocate groups like NCJW-LA, Black Women Lead, Hollywood NOW, Women’s March LA, UNITE HERE Local 11 and NWPC LA Westside for a WeHo Rally for Reproduction Rights at West Hollywood Park, this evening, Wednesday, September 1st, at 5 p.m. The rally is in firm stance against the Texas anti-abortion law that went into effect today banning abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, which abortion advocates argue is well before many women even know they are pregnant.
The new law allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone else who helps a woman obtain an abortion — including those who give a woman a ride to a clinic or provide financial assistance to obtain an abortion. Private citizens who bring these suits don’t need to show any connection to those they are suing. The law makes no exceptions for cases involving rape or incest, making it the strictest abortion ban in the country.
The law bans abortion as soon as cardiac activity is detectable, which is around six weeks, which is before a lot of people know that they’re pregnant.
The number of laws taking effect today, are 666 attacking reproduction rights, according to reports.
Anti abortion groups are in favor of a law that allows individuals to bring civil lawsuits against abortion providers or anyone else found to “aid or abet” illegal abortions. Anyone who successfully sues an abortion provider under this law could be awarded at least $10,000. Texas Right to Life has set up a “whistleblower” website where people can submit anonymous tips about anyone they believe to be violating the law.
Challengers say the new law “places a bounty on people who provide or aid abortions, inviting random strangers to sue them.”
The rally scheduled for tonight will include West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath, and council members Sepi Shyne, and John Erickson.
“What’s happening in Texas is an outrage,” posted West Hollywood Mayor, Lindsey Horvath on her social media platforms. “Our community stands united with the people who are fighting this unjust law as well as those who will still need to access reproductive health care. Hope to see you tonight in @wehocity #wehocity.”
