Federal abortion protections that have been in place for almost 50 years were abolished by the Supreme Court's decision to reverse Roe v. Wade on Friday, June 24. Before viability, which occurs about 24 weeks into pregnancy, and after that point in situations where the pregnant person's life or health was in danger, Roe forbade states from forbidding abortion.
Following the ruling, proponents of reproductive justice have urged people to give to abortion funds and local organisations that assist in arranging and paying for abortion services for patients who require financial assistance.
“If you are feeling outraged or devastated this morning by the end of Roe, you don’t have to turn to hopelessness. You can be a part of the solution,” Lauren Rankin, author of Bodies on the Line: At the Frontlines of the Fight to Protect Abortion in America wrote on Twitter. “Think small. Think local. Think human. Donate to @AbortionFunds. Volunteer as a clinic escort. Turn to experts. You’re not alone.”
In order to aid pregnant women in need as soon as possible, former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner urged her Twitter followers to "contribute to an abortion fund" rather than to any political candidate. Here is all the information you need to understand how abortion funding operates.
What Are Abortion Funds?
Abortion funds are non-governmental organisations that provide support to pregnant persons seeking an abortion. According to a report in TIME, abortion in America can cost up to 750 dollars in the first trimester to nearly 1,500 later in the pregnancy. Such funds are a crucial tool for abortion-rights advocates.
The funds help make abortion accessible to patients, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and to those from low-income or rural backgrounds. Abortion funds also pay for the health care and/or travel expenses some patients may not be able to afford.
How Do They Function?
The funds may differ even though they work for the same cause. The funds cover anything from the procedure of abortion to travel. lodging and numerous other support a pregnant individual needs. While some may also help with logistics like getting an appointment etc.
Some funds may help by giving out cash to those seeking help directly or others partner with clinics etc. According to a report, The Abortion Fund of Arizona provides gift cards for anything from gas to groceries. The executive director of the fund was quoted saying they have even covered cellphone bills or new tires or helped people get to their appointment.
Reportedly, the abortion funds largely rely on donations and also work with each other when a person travels across state lines. The TIME report quoted campaigners saying that they need an increase in donations is desperately needed.
The report mentioned the National Network of Abortion Funds, a network of abortion funds across the US, stating that they can only "help between one-quarter and one-third of callers who ask for help paying for an abortion and its related costs, such as travel and childcare which can be critical because most women who seek abortions are already mothers".
Qualifiers for assistance with each fund differ; some funds may have financial qualifications a person needs to meet and some may not. The abortion funds may provide hotlines run by volunteers or supposed cold lines where a person seeking aid can leave a message requesting help.
Suggested Reading: The Netherlands Sets up Abortion Fund to Counter Trump’s Gag
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