July 30, 2019: PWN members in Alabama–or PWN Alabama Voices, as they call their group–have been busy supporting the mobilization efforts of organizations such as Alabama Arise around attacks on SNAP benefits.

They are advocating against the bill recently signed into law in Alabama that would criminalize doctors for performing abortions [the penalties are not in effect because Roe v. Wade is still the law of the land]. PWN Alabama Voices understands that the full abortion ban is an attack on the bodily autonomy of women and all people who can get pregnant. We asked them to tell us about their advocacy efforts in this interview with Lisa Johnson-Lett and Katie Willingham. 

Q. There has been a lot of mobilization around SNAP benefits. Can you speak a little about the advocacy that has been happening? 

A. HB3 was introduced this past legislative session. It would have mandated drug testing for SNAP recipients. By supporting Alabama Arise, we were able to contribute to and distribute their newsletter that explained the harm these bills would impose on families who need this form of government assistance. Currently none of these harmful policies were passed but they are likely to come up again next legislative session. 

Q. Has there been any coalition building or networking surrounding the advocacy efforts? How does Alabama fit into the equation? 

A. We are part of the Alabama Sexual Health Coalition, and other grassroots advocacy efforts partnered with each other, such as Yellow Hammer, ACLU Alabama, and Planned Parenthood. As co-chairs of PWN Alabama Voices, I attended a rally, and Katie Willingham, Alabama State Lead, also attended a rally in her area as well. PWN Alabama Voices are here to lend support when and wherever support is needed in the state.

Q. What advocacy efforts are underway around sexual and reproductive health and rights? 

A. In the state, we are working on a bill to pass comprehensive sex education in schools. The Alabama Youth Health Protection Plan is a program to engage in sex-positive conversation and develop a comprehensive sex education curriculum. While lawmakers are banning abortion, advocates are promoting sex education and Medicaid expansion for health access to all.

Q. What else would you like to say about the advocacy efforts in Alabama? 

A. We will officially be a chapter December 2019 and hope to have chapter training in January 2020.