In response to the state of Georgia’s controversial “heartbeat” abortion ban, The Good Place star Jameela Jamil just shared a personal piece of her past — when she was younger, Jamil had an abortion. The BlogHer Health speaker made it a point to mention that she feels terminating her pregnancy was the right choice for her at the time, and it is a choice she does not regret.
Jamil took to Twitter on Monday, sharing an article published by Slate on Georgia’s decision to criminalize abortion. “I had an abortion when I was young, and it was the best decision I have ever made. Both for me, and for the baby I didn’t want, and wasn’t ready for, emotionally, psychologically and financially. So many children will end up in foster homes. So many lives ruined. So very cruel,” she wrote.
Jamil also pointed out that the new law, like many other laws, favors those who already benefit from systemic advantages. “The anti-abortion law is also especially targeted at those without the means/ability to move state[s],” she said. “Women who are marginalized, poor or disabled will, as ever, be the ones to suffer the most. The wealthy will have so much more freedom.”
I had an abortion when I was young, and it was the best decision I have ever made. Both for me, and for the baby I didn’t want, and wasn’t ready for, emotionally, psychologically and financially. So many children will end up in foster homes. So many lives ruined. So very cruel.
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) May 13, 2019
The law, which will pass in 2020, prohibits women from getting abortions anytime after a heartbeat is detected in a fetus — which can occur as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, or two weeks into a skipped period. Jamil believes that such a strict and unforgiving mandate is not only upsetting, but also “inhumane, and blatantly demonstrative of a hatred of women, a disregard for our rights, bodies, mental health, and essentially a punishment for rape victims, forcing to carry the baby of their rapist.”
She also took special care to note that she doesn’t think all foster homes prove to be traumatic for children. “I’m in awe of people who take in children in need of a family and home: but if Georgia becomes inundated with children who are unwanted or unable to be cared for, it will be hard to find great fostering for them all,” she tweeted.
Since Georgia governor Brian Kemp signed the polarizing bill last week, a multitude of people in the entertainment industry have come forward to criticize it. In addition to Jamil, dozens of celebrities have spoken out, including Alyssa Milano, Alec Baldwin, Amy Schumer, Gabrielle Union, Don Cheadle, Patton Oswalt, Uzo Aduba, Christina Applegate, Sean Penn, Amber Tamblyn, Bradley Whitford and more. Several production companies have also vowed they will not film in Georgia as long as the ban is in place, despite the state’s enticing tax incentives.
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