Recently, Texas enacted the strictest abortion law in the United States. Shortly thereafter, the Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the law to take effect and effectively dismantling the protections established by Roe v. Wade. Officially known as Senate Bill 8 (SB-8), this law prohibits most abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy, a timeframe when many women are often unaware of their condition. It also does not allow exceptions for cases of incest or rape and provides only limited exceptions for health risks. Alarmingly, SB-8 empowers private citizens to sue anyone who aids another in seeking an abortion, allowing strangers to file lawsuits for a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees. This legislation represents a significant setback for reproductive rights and highlights the growing influence of the Christian conservative movement.
In response to this draconian law, various entities have taken action. The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Texas. Companies like Uber and Lyft have pledged to cover legal costs for drivers targeted under the new law, while Bumble and Match are establishing funds to assist their Texas-based employees in accessing abortion care out of state. While these corporate responses are commendable, they often lack the forcefulness needed to challenge such a severe restriction.
Enter the Satanic Temple (TST)
If you envision traditional images of evil, you might be surprised to learn that TST doesn’t subscribe to the belief in Satan or the supernatural. Instead, their mission focuses on promoting empathy and benevolence, opposing tyranny, advocating for individual rights, and fostering rational thought free from outdated superstitions. A key aspect of their agenda is to combat religious overreach and hypocrisy.
Following the implementation of SB-8, TST submitted a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opposing the law on religious freedom grounds, invoking the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). They seek to ensure their members can access abortion pills within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy as part of their Satanic Abortion Ritual, similar to the protections offered to Native Americans for their religious practices.
Lucian Blackstone, TST’s co-founder, articulated their stance in an interview, stating, “We believe life does not begin at conception, and we view the non-viable fetus as tissue belonging to the pregnant individual. It’s their decision whether to carry it to term.” This perspective could resonate with Texas Governor Abbott, who emphasized the role of religion when signing SB-8.
This is not the first time TST has engaged in a battle for religious freedom. Their previous campaign involved the installation of a half-goat, half-human statue in response to a Ten Commandments display at the Arkansas state Capitol, asserting that either all religions should be allowed to erect monuments or none should.
TST is guided by principles that include empathy, justice, bodily autonomy, and a commitment to scientific understanding. Their dedication to these tenets promotes a rational and compassionate approach to social issues.
As the FDA has 60 days to respond to TST’s objection, the outcome of their efforts remains uncertain. It’s a surprising twist in the ongoing fight for reproductive rights, one that few would have anticipated before the pandemic.
For more insights, check out this related blog post and discover valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination at NHS. You can also explore expert resources on child growth here.