Celebrities React to Alabama’s 'Draconian' Abortion Ban
On Tuesday night, the state of Alabama’s Senate passed a near-total ban on abortion — the most restrictive abortion bill in the country. And already, celebrities are using their platform to speak out against what they are calling an “unbelievable,” “inhumane” and “draconian” transgression of women’s rights.
The law, if not blocked, mandates that doctors who perform abortions at any stage of pregnancy will face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Although Democrats attempted to add an amendment that allowed exceptions for rape or incest, that motion failed. If the punitive action sounds extreme, consider that a decade is the minimum proposed sentence. Under the legislation, doctors could face up to 99 years, or life, in prison for performing an abortion. There is an exception for cases where the mother’s life is at risk, such as with ectopic pregnancies, or if the “unborn child has a lethal anomaly,” according to CNN.
This news comes only a week after another Southern state signed into law a similarly controversial ban. Dubbed the “heartbeat bill,” Georgia’s ban states that abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy can be criminalized.
While celebrities can’t undo the actions of Alabama’s Senate (or Georgia’s), they can and are going on the record to condemn both the ban and the actions that led to it.
The Alabama senate voted to ban abortion. Oh, and no exceptions for rape or incest, in case you were wondering if they're a bunch of fucking monsters.
— John Leguizamo (@JohnLeguizamo) May 15, 2019
THE GOAL IS TO CONTROL WOMEN. https://t.co/EZ4G6zbxUw
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) May 15, 2019
There is a cold place in hell for the Alabama Senate.
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) May 15, 2019
This is a direct consequence of Donald Trumps presidency (he said “there needs to be punishment for the women” during campaign) & Brett Kavanaughs nom. Everyone needs to see this for what it is- a religious minority is emboldened & trying to steal rights from women/ overturn Roe.
— Alex Hirsch (@_AlexHirsch) May 15, 2019
Celebrities, from athletes to entertainers and everything in between, are also urging citizens to take an action-based approach in their opposition.
.@NARAL thank you for being here. I just donated to @YellowFund if you can support even in a small way, please do. Women need our support, let’s show them we’re here for them. https://t.co/TDIsTTI2Gq
— Piper Perabo (@PiperPerabo) May 15, 2019
Don’t move forward after reading this like everything is normal. Don’t shake your head at Alabama and then keep going about your day. Realize that this is a warning. It’s Alabama and abortion today. It’s you and your rights tomorrow. Your silence will not save you. So speak up. https://t.co/kIz78uAU1T
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 15, 2019
This is absolutely unbelievable. If you’re not worried about roe v wade, you’re not paying attention. This is why voting matters!! https://t.co/gZ5lrj7tQ1
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) May 15, 2019
Some point to the inherent hypocrisy of the law.
Just so I’m understanding this correctly… in Alabama, a man who RAPES & gets a women pregnant will serve LESS time then the person that removes the embryo that was forcefully put in the victim…
— Patrick Shriver (@PSchwarzenegger) May 15, 2019
Not one uterus. NOT ONE UTERUS. https://t.co/WDnTzrU00Z
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 15, 2019
Yes, the news out of Alabama tonight is HORRIFYING. Rapists are facing less jail time than a doctor who performs an abortion on a rape victim. See below for where you can donate to help fight and hopefully reverse this sheer evil. https://t.co/wxjC2VVUcv
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) May 15, 2019
In Alabama, life begins at rape.
— Jena Friedman (@JenaFriedman) May 15, 2019
While others are expressing their shock that the ban exists.
THIS IS REAL & is HAPPENING IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA https://t.co/x7juRSCzkD
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) May 15, 2019
We are living in a nightmare. https://t.co/uZS0nD65g1
— Ben Feldman (@WhosBenFeldman) May 15, 2019
Called the Human Life Protection Act, the ban will now land on the desk of Alabama’s governor, Kay Ivey. She has six days to sign the legislation which, if she did, would take effect six months after becoming law.