TIME Magazine
She Wasn’t Able to Get an Abortion. Now She’s a Mom. Soon She’ll Start 7th Grade.
Synopsis
TIME reporter Charlotte Alter documents the story of Ashley, a 12-year-old rape victim, who was forced to give birth in Mississippi because of the state’s abortion ban. Ashley, in 6th grade at the time of her assault, found out she was pregnant when her mom took her to the ER for continuous vomiting. Her mom tried to arrange an abortion, but the closest clinic that could help was in Chicago, a trip they couldn’t afford or manage from their home in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Although the state claims to have rape exceptions, they are meaningless when no doctor will perform the procedure, and many, like Ashley, are unaware of abortion funds that help pay for families to travel for abortion care.
For a second, she looks like any other soon-to-be seventh grader sharing her childhood dream. Then [her baby] stirs in his car seat.
Two doulas on how Louisiana’s abortion ban has affected pregnancy care — and why they still find joy in their work
Two Louisiana advocates discuss friendship, trauma, and the fight for survivors’ rights
