Hollywood has taken an initiative concerning Georgia’s new heartbeat law. This past Tuesday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill that bans abortions if a heartbeat can be detected, according to CNN. This would go into effect January 1, 2020. The law states that “no abortion is authorized or shall be performed if the unborn child has been determined to have a human heartbeat.” This had Hollywood heated, with three production companies stating they will no longer film in Georgia, and the upcoming HBO drama Lovecraft Country using proceeds to fund a fight against this bill.
Additionally, actress Alyssa Milano has also spoken out against the bill, claiming on Twitter that women should all go on a sex strike. Milano has starred in multiple series from Charmed to Insatiable and her voice did not go unnoticed. Milano shared her thoughts on the matter with The Associated Press: “We need to understand how dire the situation is across the country. It’s reminding people that we have control over our own bodies and how we use them.” In her argument, she also explained how women in the past used withholding of sex as a form of protest.
Our reproductive rights are being erased.
Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy.
JOIN ME by not having sex until we get bodily autonomy back.
I’m calling for a #SexStrike. Pass it on. pic.twitter.com/uOgN4FKwpg
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 11, 2019
Although many supported her statement, such as actress Bette Midler who posted a similar tweet of her own, there were others who disagreed, arguing that such a strike would imply that sex is only given as a favor to men and not because women enjoy it, as well. Milano didn’t mind the criticism, and instead saw it as encouraging, as her goal was to get “people to talk about the war on women.” Her main concern is that the Roe v. Wade would be overturned.
I hope the #womenofGeorgia stop having sex with men until these indignities are overturned.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) May 11, 2019
“That is absolutely horrifying to me,” Milano explained. “Anyone who is not completely and totally outraged by this and doesn’t see where this is leading, I think is not taking this threat seriously.” As far as how long the strike should last, Milano hasn’t yet given an answer. “I mean I don’t know,” Milano admitted. “I sent a tweet last night I haven’t really thought much past that this morning.”