Activism Born from Tragedy
Allie Phillips, a Tennessee native, found herself confronted with severe reproductive health challenges after being forced to leave the state for life-saving abortion care. This harrowing experience led her to transform her grief into activism, positioning herself as a candidate for office to advocate for reproductive rights in one of the nation’s most restrictive states.
Personal Story of Loss
Originally published by Courier Texas, Allie’s journey began with what should have been a joyous discovery—her pregnancy with a daughter named Miley Rose. After receiving positive news from their 15-week sonogram, Allie, her husband, Bryan, and her 6-year-old daughter, Adalie, were excited. However, this excitement turned into heartbreak when a subsequent 20-week sonogram revealed devastating news: Miley had a severe brain malformation and other critical issues incompatible with life.
“It was the thought of leaving my daughter motherless that cemented my decision to find a medical facility that would perform an abortion,”
The Challenge of Accessing Care
In Tennessee, strict abortion bans severely limit access to abortion services, only allowing procedures when the mother’s life is at immediate risk. This typically necessitates a dire situation before intervention can occur, leading to tragic outcomes for many women. Allie’s situation required her to seek care out of state, as she and her mother engaged in a fundraising campaign through TikTok to cover the costs of traveling to New York City, where abortion services were available.
Turning Activism into Political Action
Following her experience, Allie felt compelled to take action. She joined a lawsuit against Tennessee’s abortion laws and proposed a bill she dubbed “Miley’s Law.” This proposed legislation aimed to permit abortions in cases where fatal fetal diagnoses were confirmed. During her meeting with state representative Jeff Burkhart, Allie faced troubling misconceptions about reproductive health and realized the necessity for change from within the political system.
Running for Office
Encouraged by both her mother and TikTok followers, Allie launched her campaign for the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 75. In her campaign, she established deep connections with her constituents, many of whom were unaware of the state’s abortion bans. By focusing on relatable issues such as public school funding and reproductive health, Allie garnered significant support, earning 45% of the vote in a competitive race against the incumbent.
A lot of the Republican voters I talked to while campaigning didn’t even know we had an abortion ban. I will share my story for 20 years if I have to, because it does make a difference.
Looking Ahead
As Allie and Bryan prepared for the birth of their second child, a son they named Archie, the implications of their circumstances continued to weigh heavily on them. Allie expressed the anxiety surrounding pregnancy in Tennessee under current laws, demonstrating the ongoing challenges faced by women in restrictive legislative environments. She remains committed to advocating for reproductive justice, emphasizing the importance of sharing her story as a means to effect positive change.
Allie is a representation of how personal experiences can catalyze political activism, particularly in matters of reproductive rights. As women like her engage in political processes, they inspire others across the country to take action and advocate for their rights in the face of stringent laws.