AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Abortion Advocacy Network (TAAN) is hosting a series of TAANHalls across Texas to strengthen community connections and discuss opportunities to improve reproductive health care in the state.
The Austin TAANHall on Nov. 10 was the first of 10 events to be held, with additional stops in Houston, Dallas, Denton, Amarillo, McAllen, Brownsville, El Paso, San Antonio, and one virtual event. Attendee's received a Know Your Rights (KYR) overview and heard from experts and community leaders about ways to support reproductive freedom and get involved with TAAN’s partner organizations.
The Texas Abortion Advocacy Network includes the ACLU of Texas, MOVE Texas, Frontera Fund, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, Jane’s Due Process, Avow, Texas Equal Access Fund, Lilith Fund, Fund Texas Choice, Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance, I’ll Have What She’s Having, Deeds Not Words, Texas Civil Rights Project, Texas Freedom Network, and abortion advocates from across the state.
“In Texas, a state where our reproductive rights have been stripped away, these townhalls remind us that power still lives in community,” said Blair Wallace (she/her), policy and advocacy strategist for reproductive freedom for the ACLU of Texas. “Attendees speak openly about what’s happening in their communities and help shape what comes next for reproductive freedom in Texas. From Amarillo to McAllen, we’re imagining and building the Texas we deserve — one conversation at a time.”
“It is in community that we will find our strength to build power for a Texas where we have freedom over our own bodies and access to abortion. We are proud to be creating connections across the state, hearing directly from Texans about what they need, and closing knowledge gaps where we can,” said Amy Sustaita (she/her/ella), relational organizing manager for Avow Texas. “Each person we connect with during these townhalls will be able to go out into their community and effect change, strengthening our movement for reproductive justice and a future where abortion is legal, safe, and accessible.”
“Whether you’re just figuring out what healthcare looks like now in Texas or have been following the news on abortion for a long time, we are connecting everyone together on the importance of knowing their reproductive rights,” said Joslynn Sanchez (she/her/ella), Policy and Advocacy Manager at Deeds Not Words. “We are building community with these TAANhalls because no one is alone when it comes to navigating their healthcare and their rights, especially young Texans.”
“The TAAN Halls happening across the state remind Texans that we’re in this together and we all have a role in building the Texas we deserve,” said Mads Clendening (they/them), advocacy and organizing fellow at Lilith Fund. “Even under overlapping abortion bans, Texas abortion funds are still here-- helping Texans access abortion care in states where it’s legal and connect to essential resources. These TAAN Halls also ensure people know their options and where to turn for support in such uncertain times."
Alongside the TAAN Halls, the ACLU of Texas also hosts the TAAN Academy, a 10-week virtual training series led by reproductive freedom experts to equip participants with the skills to become leaders in their community. The next TAAN Academy cohort begins Jan. 20 and runs through Mar. 24. You can register here.
For information on TAAN: https://www.aclutx.org/en/texas-abortion-advocacy-network
