Now is the time to join the reproductive justice movement – this afternoon to be exact.
The Sexual Health Advisory Group is a student organization aiming to educate UT students about sexual and reproductive health and advocate for reproductive rights. Formerly known on campus as the Voices of Planned Parenthood, the group recently elected to undergo systemic re-branding, allowing them to access more versatile resources and act more politically as a unit.
And today, the newly unveiled group will hold an informational meeting at 4 p.m. in Hodges Library.
The group’s first meeting will focus on Amendment 1. On the ballot in late November, Amendment 1 states that the Tennessee Constitution does not protect a woman’s right to abortion, even in “circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother.” The bill also states that Tennessee residents retain the right to “enact, amend or repeal state statutes regarding abortion” through state representatives and senators.
The meeting will explore the dangers of Amendment 1 and inform students how they can fight its passage.
In partnership with the Knoxville chapter of Planned Parenthood, SHAG’s meeting is part of the “Vote No on 1” campaign taking place across Tennessee.
If the amendment passes, women seeking clinical abortions will need to obtain permission from the state legislature.
“We believe a woman’s private medical decision [such as abortion] should be between her faith, her family, her doctor and most importantly herself,” said Amanda Alarcon, junior in history and SHAG co-chair “Politicians have no place in private medical decisions.”
Kayla Frye, co-chair of SHAG, encouraged students to attend the kickoff meeting today and take action.
“I’d encourage everyone to inform themselves on what is happening in our legislature right now,” Frye said. “It’s important to understand the gravity of this issue and get out to vote on Nov. 4.”
Members of SHAG will be tabling at next week’s “Red Zone Campaign” in conjunction with Sex Week, where they will hand out flyers, condoms and dental dams.
Once the “Vote No on 1” campaign ends, SHAG will begin preparing for “Get Tested” month in April, which promotes testing awareness. They will also be hosting basic educational seminars throughout the year meant to encourage students to practice safe habits.
To learn more about Amendment 1, students can go to voteno1tn.org. For more information on the Sexual Health Advisory Group, email the organization at [email protected].
