This Monday we convened a bus full of energetic Housing Works advocates to Washington DC, where we gathered in front of the Supreme Court to hear arguments against Texas Law SB8.

SB8 criminalizes abortion after 6-weeks of a patient’s last menstrual period, before most people even know they are pregnant. The law also allows private citizens to sue anyone who has aided someone having an abortion, from providers to Uber drivers who escort someone to a clinic. Civilians are being incentivized with $10,000 cash to bring these vigilante lawsuits and defendants cannot recoup their own legal fees.

Our staff and clients’ voices echoed against an anti-abortion group gathering nearby. Chants such as, “Our Bodies, Our Choice!” and “Abortion is Healthcare; Healthcare is a Human Right!” stressed the threat that SB8 poses to Roe v. Wade and the risk of copycat bills in other states.

Housing Works activists urged SCOTUS to keep in mind the lives of patients who are put at risk by abortion restrictions. We know that this law will affect our BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and poor community members the most, as they may not have access to transportation outside of the state, or funds to cover being sued on top of a procedure.

Thank you to all the Housing Works advocates who brought the energy to DC this week, and who are a force for healthcare justice always.