Like all people, I deserved to feel respect, support, and compassion. We Testify creates a platform for our voices to become the new norm. Testify is a monthly show featuring five people telling true, personal stories. storytellers who were sharing their abortion experiences in public testimony, changed timestamps to erase the impacts of our chants in the state Senate chambers, and even called special sessions to force through their political attacks on our rights. At the time I filed for divorce, I had lived in Texas for at least the last six (6) months, and in _____ County for at least ninety (90) days. For some of our clients, those increased costs could effectively prevent them from accessing safe, legal abortion care altogether. As abortion storytellers with We Testify, an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions—particularly at the intersection of race, class, and gender identity—we are opposed to any bans on insurance coverage for abortion. By using this website, you agree not to sell or make a profit in any way from any information or forms that you obtained through this website. Cohort members from Texas partner organizations will be sharing their stories in Texas communities and supporting people in Texas to share their stories. This article does not address consulting experts. The first stop is the great state of Texas. As a native Houstonian, former clinic counselor, We Testify storyteller from the second cohort, and now a NNAF staff member, I am excited to announce that We Testify is going regional! The Texas State Employees Union and Underpaid at UT, a graduate student worker organization, hosted a town hall Wednesday where UT System staff, faculty and students voiced support for demands related to the system’s COVID-19 response.. In her time on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Judge Barrett ruled against abortion rights both times the issue was before her. If you recieved a subpoena it is a good idea to contact an attorney for help. That left We Testify storyteller Esmarie unable to get the abortion she needed, so she cared for herself and safely did her own abortion using pills. The executive director of LaSalle Corrections is expected to testify Dec. 9. I remember being subjected to a mandatory waiting period only to be greeted by angry anti-abortion protestors on the day of my actual appointment. Participants shared intimate details of their lives and forged bonds that will persist long after the cohort officially ends. Texas Penal Code § 43.06. I also want others to know that their abortions are normal and OK. My name is Amanda Williams, I’m the Executive Director of the Lilith Fund, which is an abortion fund that provides financial assistance to low-income people seeking abortion care services in central, south, west and east Texas. This is the power when we testify. Have you received a subpoena to testify as a witness in a criminal trial or grand jury proceeding? We Testify Texas Posted on September 16 2019 by Renee Bracey Sherman It has always been important that our movement lifts the voices of marginalized people who’ve had abortions to help shift the narrative surrounding the procedure, particularly in areas where access is hardest. Meet the We Testify Storytellers. The House will limit attendance for what is typically a crowded day at the Capitol when family and friends attend the opening ceremonies. As a native Houstonian, former clinic counselor, We Testify storyteller from the second cohort, and now a NNAF staff member, I am excited to announce that We Testify is going regional! If you're trying to get an abortion in Texas, We Testify storyteller Hannah shares resources in this Medium piece with Sam Oser. (2) Persons Lacking Sufficient Intellect. For three years, I worked as a clinic counselor at the Houston Women’s Clinic and witnessed how sharing my stories with patients helped them tremendously. Eventually, my shame turned to anger as I learned that everything I went through to get abortions was not backed by science or out of medical necessity. Introduction: In order to determine whether or not an expert opinion will be deemed admissible in Texas, attorneys should be guided by the Daubert-Robinson Doctrine, as well as the Texas Rules of Evidence (TRE). How do I find the clinic that’s right for me? […]. The Union represents all state employees in Texas, and Underpaid at UT was officially created in 2018 to increase graduate student worker … March 19 2018 . It comes as no surprise that district leaders were invited to testify on important issues affecting the education and communities of #GarlandUSA at the Texas … This is why we continue to fight against anti-abortion legislation like that proposed by DSHS. Participating in We Testify Texas was a truly meaningful experience. It was a couple hundred dollars that truly saved my life. We Testify Texas Posted on September 16 2019 by Renee Bracey Sherman It has always been important that our movement lifts the voices of marginalized people who’ve had abortions to help shift the narrative surrounding the procedure, particularly in areas where access is hardest. Black voters in particular’.” Via, Join Our Team. Testify at the Texas State Capitol Providing verbal, in-person testimony at the Texas Capitol is one of the most effective ways for citizens to participate in and influence the legislative process. Investing in Texas abortion storytellers will be a huge help in dispelling stigma and changing our culture. I share my abortion stories because I long for culture change and want to bring attention to the unjust barriers that exist to accessing this essential part of health care. In 2013, I had an abortion in Texas that coincided with the filibuster and passage of HB 2 [a heavily restrictive state-wide abortion bill]. Will state or government insurance cover my abortion? Our clients, most of whom are women of color with low-incomes, often struggle to secure basic needs and resources, and coming up with the funds needed to pay for their abortion can be near impossible without outside support. We Testify Texas is a visionary collaboration between Texas abortion funds and We Testify. Each month has a different theme that connects stories spanning the human experience, often in unexpected ways. Testify Testify is a monthly show featuring five people telling true, personal stories. We Testify creates a platform for our voices to become the new norm. Today I am speaking in strong opposition to the proposed rules on fetal and embryonic tissue disposal. We do a deep dive into some of the most interesting, powerful, and emotional criminal cases in our city’s history. I felt isolated, ashamed, and alone. We Make Remote Depositions Easy! Abortion coverage is completely out of reach for them, whether it’s because they are underinsured; or because abortion coverage under Medicaid is banned by the federal Hyde Amendment and Texas refuses to use its own state funding to provide coverage for abortion. I know We Testify Texas storytellers will change the conversation by being visible and testifying about their multiple abortions, faith, immigration experiences, and why abortion should be accessible in our communities. Youth Testify Abortion Storyteller Testifies Before Congress. It was something that needed to happen.” - Angel. Persons with disabilities who plan to attend these meetings and who may need assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact the senate committee coordinator at (512) 463-0070, 72-hours prior to the meeting so appropriate arrangements can be made. vTestify is a simple to use remote deposition platform that combines secure video conferencing, interactive exhibit management, and cloud storage of deposition assets in a single professional interface. “For 130 years, people have been coming to this building to testify on bills. We use official police reports, court records, and interview those who were … When I reflect on my own abortion, I know that I deserved a better experience, free from shame and stigma. Our former client and We Testify storyteller shared her story with Refinery29 about traveling from Amarillo to Albuquerque to get an abortion last year. This article was written for lawyers, but is reproduced here to provide as much information as possible to help you. Instead of passing laws that force patients to consider burial services or death certificates, we should focus on making sure that all people have the power, resources, and community support they need to make their reproductive decisions a reality. “Georgia voters are used to obstacles—‘Georgia voters are resilient. These barriers were physically and emotionally trying for me. Cohort members from Texas partner organizations will be sharing their stories in Texas communities and supporting people in Texas to share their stories. The additional financial burden that the proposed regulations pose could and will push abortion out of reach for the low-income families we serve. ... A party to an offense under this subchapter may be required to furnish evidence or testify about the offense. They’re excited to share their stories and educate Texans on what it’s like to get an abortion through judicial bypass, as parents, as a trans person, as immigrants, and when supported by an abortion fund. These proposed regulations, which would have forced me to essentially plan a funeral for my fetus, would have made all of the challenges I faced when getting an abortion even more difficult and traumatic. Now, anti-abortion Texas legislators are going through the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to chip away at abortion access and spread misinformation, and once again, we’re showing up, fighting to make our voices heard. 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