Alabama abortion ban expected to impact LGBT community

A new law in Alabama that will ban abortion in almost all circumstances is likely to impact on the state’s LGBT+ community, activist organisations are warning.

The ban was passed yesterday in the state Senate, with 25 white male Republicans voting in favour. Just six members of the house voted against.

Under the law, abortion will only be permitted when there is a serious threat to the health of the pregnant person. The bill will now go on to the Governor’s office to be signed into law.

Now, a number of LGBT+ rights activists and organisations across the US are warning that the law’s impact will likely extend to their community.

‘Reproductive justice is a critical issue for trans communities’

The Transgender Law Center said in a statement released today to PinkNews: “It’s extremely alarming how many states are currently pushing forward laws designed to criminalize and eliminate access to abortion care.

“Reproductive justice is a critical issue for trans communities, who already face barriers in accessing reproductive health care.”

Meanwhile, GLAAD tweeted: “Many LGBTQ people rely on abortion care and they deserve access to safe and legal abortions in the state they live in.”

Earlier this week, GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis responded to moves to outlaw abortion in other states and explained some of the ways that abortion bans can threaten LGBT+ people.

“When women’s rights are attacked, LGBTQ rights are attacked,” she wrote.

“Reproductive justice is a critical issue for trans communities, who already face barriers in accessing reproductive health care.”

– Transgender Law Center

“Cisgender lesbians, bisexual women, trans men, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals all rely on abortion care,” she continued.