Emma Watson joins celebrity backlash against new Alabama abortion law

In the wake of the Alabama abortion ban, celebrities from across the globe have been using their platforms to rally against the controversial ruling.

The Alabama Human Life Protection Act, which was signed on Wednesday, outlaws abortions after six weeks of pregnancy - long before most women learn that they are expecting.

It’s not only women who will be affected however, as doctors could face 10 years in prison for attempting to terminate a pregnancy and up to 99 years for carrying out the procedure.

In protest of the bill, a growing number of celebrities have spoken out on social media with some speaking candidly about their own experiences.

From Emma Watson to Lady Gaga, these are the A-listers rallying against the ruling.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson was one of the first to kick-start the celebrity backlash, as she took to Instagram to ask followers to show their support for global charities including Planned Parenthood, Women Help Women and All 4 Choice - all of which campaign for free, safe and legal abortion.

In a lengthy Instagram post, the actress and UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador emphasised that the new bill marks the fourth ‘heartbeat’ law passed in the United States in the last year.

The 29-year-old also touched upon the fact that women living in Northern Ireland are forced to travel to mainland Britain for abortion care that’s illegal in their home country.

But sadly, that’s just not possible for everyone.

“There will always be people who cannot travel because of domestic violence, immigration status, and disability,” she continued. “People living in Northern Ireland and the USA deserve the dignity of accessing safe, legal & local reproductive healthcare at home.”

“These laws won't stop women and pregnant people from having abortions, or from making the best decision for their bodies and families, it will just mean they are forced to do so unsafely and with stigma,” Watson concluded.

Jameela Jamil

In the wake of the Alabama ban, Jameela Jamil spoke candidly about her own experience with having an abortion.

“I had an abortion when I was young, and it was the best decision I have ever made,” Jamil wrote on Twitter. "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.”

To further push her message, the actress shared a screenshot of her tweet on Instagram alongside the caption: “This anti-abortion law in Georgia is so upsetting, 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.

“I’m so stunned that our world is not only behind, it’s moving backwards. This hurts my heart in so many different ways, and in particular as a rape victim. I can’t imagine having fallen pregnant and being FORCED BY LAW to carry his baby to term, and see someone who looked like him every day, otherwise I can get the death penalty?! How do we help the women of Georgia? And Northern Ireland where this nightmare is ongoing.”

Tracee Ellis Ross

“Don’t move forward after reading this like everything is normal,” the tweet reads. “Don’t shake your head at Alabama and then keep going about your day. Realise that this is a warning. It’s Alabama and abortion today. It’s you and your rights tomorrow. Your silence will not save you. So speak up.”

Alongside the post, Tracee Ellis Ross told followers that she is “infuriated and weeping” over the ban and has donated to Yellow Fund in protest - an organisation which funds safe abortions in Alabama.

The actress also asked others to go check out The YellowHammer Fund.

Busy Philipps

In light of the ban, Busy Philipps opened up about the abortion she had aged 15 on her talk show ‘Busy Tonight’.

“I had an abortion when I was 15-years-old, and I’m telling you this because I am genuinely really scared for women and girls all over this country,” she said. “And I think that we all need to be talking more and sharing our stories more.”

"I know that people feel very strongly about abortion, but let me just say this: Women and their doctors are in the best position to make informed decisions about what is best for them," the mother-of-two continued. "Nobody else, nobody."

Courtney Cox

Alabama resident, Courtney Cox, also encouraged her Instagram followers to donate to Yellow Fund.

Alongside a photograph of the pro-abortion protests, the actress wrote: “I love Alabama and I am proud to call it my home. But today I am appalled and scared. We CANNOT go backwards!”

READ MORE: Busy Philipps speaks about her abortion, condemns Georgia’s ban

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga took to Twitter to call out the new law describing the ban on abortion as a “travesty”.

The statement reads, “It is an outrage to ban abortion in Alabama, period, and all the more heinous that it excludes those who have been raped or are experiencing incest, non-consensual or not.

“So there’s a higher penalty for doctors who perform these operations than for most rapists? This is a travesty, and I pray for all these women and young girls who suffer at the hands of this system.”

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon also used her platform to encourage fans to speak out against the abortion ban.

Taking to Twitter, the actress wrote: “I’m beyond upset about the passing of new abortion bans in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, and Ohio. This is Unconstitutional and Abhorrent. We can not tolerate this attack on women’s fundamental rights.”

The tweet soon amassed over 80,000 likes with a number of social media users thanking the actress for using her power to speak out.

READ MORE: 9 celebrities who have spoken about having an abortion