Alyssa Jayne Milano, an American actress turned activist, is once again appearing on the headlines. Milano has ignited an uproar on social media after calling on women to join her in “not having sex until we get bodily autonomy back.” On May 10, the actress and women’s rights activist shared a tweet proposing sex strike, to protest wave of strict abortion laws passed by the Republican-controlled state legislatures. Her tweet came days after Georgia became the fourth state in the United States this year to ban abortions. Milano received support from fans, but many activists lampooned debating she was pushing a false narrative that women only have sex as a favour to men. Alyssa Milano Shamed for Her ‘Revealing’ Top. 

Georgia’s “heartbeat bill” reportedly bans abortions after a foetal heartbeat is detected, which is about six weeks from conception and before many women know they are pregnant. Media reports further suggest that several other states in the south of America are considering similar legislation. “Our reproductive rights are being erased,” the actress wrote on Twitter. “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,” she added. #MeToo Founder Tarana Burke Says F*ck Hollywood, the Movement Was for Underprivileged Survivors. 

Here's Milano's Tweet

Milano again retweeted a 2017 Quartz report that highlights incidents of similar sex strikes in various countries across the world, dating back hundred years.

Some women extended their support to Milano’s strike on Twitter.

But many criticised her strike. Twitter was quickly flooded with activists railing against Milano’s initiative.

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Other women argued it disregards women in the LGBTQI community.

The new Georgia law, would take effect in 2020. Milano’s tweet although has not received much support, but tension among women and activists have been running high. Reproductive rights groups have warned it also paves the way for women to face an enquiry if they suffer a miscarriage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 12, 2019 09:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).