Bumble Creates Relief Fund As Texas Abortion Law Takes Effect

Austin TX

03 September, 2021

2:00 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Bumble, the Austin-based dating app, is creating a relief fund to support reproductive rights and to help people seeking abortions in Texas. The company took to Twitter on Wednesday saying the relief fund will support the reproductive rights of women and people across the gender spectrum who seek abortions in Texas. "Bumble is women-founded and women-led, and from day one we've stood up for the most vulnerable. We'll keep fighting against regressive laws like #SB8," the company said in a tweet. The company's decision comes after a new Texas abortion law went into effect Wednesday and bans most abortions in the state. The law is the most restrictive in the nation, prohibiting abortions as early as the sixth week of pregnancy before most people know they are pregnant. Starting today, Bumble has created a relief fund supporting the reproductive rights of women and people across the gender spectrum who seek abortions in Texas.— Bumble (@bumble) September 1, 2021 The law, which the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block late Wednesday, allows "any person" to file a civil lawsuit against anyone who provides an abortion or "aids and abets" an abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can occur at six weeks. A successful plaintiff could receive at least $10,000 from the provider or others. A company spokesperson told the Austin-American Statesman on Friday the money will go towards partner organizations dedicated to protecting reproductive rights. Bumble, which operates both Bumble and Badoo app, have over 40 million users on a monthly basis. The company's namesake app started as a dating app and has since grown to be a women-centric social networking platform in which only women can initiate a conversation or contact. The company also mentioned its plans to support abortion rights in an Instagram post and suggested organizations and efforts people can donate to, such as the National Network of Abortion Funds, the Brigid Alliance, Repro Legal Defense Fund, Lilith Fund, Fund Texas Choice and Frontera Fund. Bumble said its own fund will be raised internally — rather than from outside donors — and go to those same organizations. MORE COVERAGE:Texas 6-Week Abortion Ban Takes Effect; Supreme Court Silent In 5-4 Vote, Supreme Court Leaves Texas Abortion Law In Place More Texas Students Tested Positive For COVID-19 The Week Of Aug. 16 Than At Any Time Last School Year