Article Summary –
Following the fall of Roe v. Wade, abortion funds have become essential to support access in states with restrictive laws, like South and North Carolina. Despite financial and logistical hurdles, funds offer aid beyond clinic fees, emphasizing community effort and donations to sustain abortion access amid challenging legal landscapes.
In the wake of the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the nation saw a surge in donations to abortion funds, aiming to maintain access to care amidst shifting legal landscapes. These “rage donations” were critical, but as anti-abortion bans expanded, the demand for abortion access surpassed pre-Roe levels.
Abortion funds are vital, particularly in the South, where persistent support goes beyond temporary outrage. Abortion seekers require sustained attention and resources beyond political cycles to create a stable norm for everyone.
With federal protections overridden, states now independently regulate reproductive health. At Carolina Abortion Fund, we navigate two neighboring states with differing abortion laws. South Carolina’s six-week ban makes North Carolina’s 12-week ban seem lenient by comparison.
This perceived leniency carries significant challenges beyond procedure costs for callers and all regional abortion seekers. North Carolina mandates multiple appointments: counseling, a 72-hour wait, and an unnecessary post-abortion follow-up. These add financial and emotional burdens, impacting work, travel, and childcare.
In 2023, over 171,000 people traveled long distances, incurring costs from $500 to $2,300 for procedures and related expenses like travel and lodging. That’s where funds like Carolina Abortion Fund step in, offering more than just clinic fee coverage.
We assist abortion seekers in understanding regional laws, providing emotional support, and ensuring access to necessary care. With ever-changing legislation and financial constraints, funds are pivoting to cover travel expenses, partnering with resources in a nation with diminishing care options.
Mutual aid is crucial, but not solely sufficient. Even the best-laid plans can be thwarted by new laws, gestational miscounts, or clinic discretion, especially impacting marginalized groups like undocumented individuals, adolescents, and single parents.
It takes a community, not just teams, involving volunteers, funds, clinics, and support organizations, to assist seekers through legal and societal barriers. This community effort is crucial to resist bans and support abortion seekers’ journeys back to their loved ones.
Abortion funds rely on donations to keep their services operational. Every contribution directly aids callers, ensuring open communication lines and covering clinical and travel costs. As legal battles continue, funds remain dedicated to supporting individual reproductive journeys.
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