Reproductive healthcare and abortion access advocates have known this day would come for years and they’ve been slowly building out infrastructure to help people that need to access abortion care. While abortion is still legal in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, there are 26 states that have either already limited access, plan to limit access, or will ban access to abortion altogether. In DC, where Congress controls laws and budgets, Medicaid cannot cover abortions. While calling and writing your representatives is a great way to express your anger and pain, as well as advocate for yourself and others, there are more practical ways to help.
Donate to Local Abortion Funds
Now that more than half of states will ban or severely limit abortion access, funding local abortion funds has never been more important. While donating to Planned Parenthood is a good option, local abortion funds can often move quickly and provide a much broader range of support. If you’re looking to donate to abortion funds outside of DC, Maryland, or Virginia you can take a look at the list curated by the National Network of Abortion Funds.
DC Abortion Fund – The DC Abortion Fund helps pregnant individuals in and out of the DMV by providing grants that help cover the cost of abortion access, including travel expenses if an individual is outside of the DC area.
Mamatoto Village – Mamatoto Village serves Ward 7 by providing radical, safe, and practical care to Black women.
Baltimore Abortion Fund – The Baltimore Abortion Fund provides both grants and practical assistance to those seeking abortion care in Maryland.
Blue Ridge Abortion Fund – The Blue Ridge Abortion Fund has been providing financial and practical support for over 30 years.
Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project – RRFP provides practical and financial support in Virginia and surrounding areas.
Volunteer to Provide Practical Support
If you can’t offer financial donations, or maybe you want to do more than just donate, volunteer to provide practical assistance to those seeking abortion care. Practical assistance can be anything from providing transportation or housing to escorting individuals to clinics.
DMV Abortion Practical Support Network – DAPSN provides mutual aid to those seeking abortion care in DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
DC Doulas for Choice Network – DC Doulas for Choice Network provides a wide range of support services to those that need access to safe abortions.
Baltimore Doula Project – the Baltimore Doula Project is a volunteer run organization that provides support to address gaps in pregnancy and postpartum care.
Donate to local policy orgs
Pro-Choice Maryland – Pro-Choice Maryland is a grassroots organization that focuses on policy and politics around reproductive health and freedom in Maryland. The Pro-Choice Maryland Fund performs research, outreach, and education.
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