Being forced by state ant-abortion laws to endure an unwanted pregnancy is "birthing bondage," which violates the prohibition of involuntary servitude in the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which also ended slavery.

Pregnancy is a difficult and dangerous unpaid job with no time off. No one should be compelled against her will to undergo such servitude. A woman has a constitutional right under the 13th Amendment to not be denied an abortion, her only recourse to be freed from the bondage of forced gestation.

We the undersigned urge Congress to pass and President Biden to sign legislation codifying the 13th Amendment such that birthing bondage is banned as a form of involuntary servitude. It was the intent of the Amendment's sponsors in 1865 that Black women not be forced to serve as birthing vessels. Such legislation would override state laws making access to abortion impractical or illegal.

Here is suggested draft language for "An Act to Ban Birthing Bondage."

In furtherance of the prohibition of involuntary servitude in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, no woman shall be subjected to birthing bondage by being forced to endure an unwanted pregnancy due to any state law or regulation denying her reasonable access to procedures, medications or treatments for abortion and related reproductive health care services. Any such law or regulation is hereby declared null and void in violation of said Amendment and in accordance with the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution.

Let us make those who would oppose such legislation stand up and publicly deny the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" of American women and girls, their families, their friends, their colleagues, and their employers and employees who suffer the consequences of anti-abortion laws.

Read more about how and why access to abortion is protected under the 13th Amendment in the LA Progressive, in The New York Times, and in Ms. Magazine.