Abortion Access: How to Become a Practical Support Volunteer
How To Actively Help People Seeking Abortions — Beyond Donating Money
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Abortion funds are independent organisations developed to support the specific needs of individual communities by providing everything from abortion pills and funds to transportation, lodging, and emotional support. Organisations like Access Reproductive Justice, which was founded in 1993, and the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project, which has been around since 1991, know the work that goes into providing practical support isn't something that can be done overnight.
For decades, these established agencies, which are often staffed by people who have either helped others get abortions or who have had abortions themselves, have worked to vet volunteers and partner with independent care clinics — which provide two-thirds of abortion care in the US. In this way, they are able to provide the safest and most effective support for people seeking reproductive care. As more "auntie networks" crop up online, Dreith points out the likelihood that supporters of these rogue groups are unaware reputable networks already exist, which eliminates the bulk of the work they've set for themselves by attempting to start one on their own.
"I think it's a beautiful thing to want to help, but it doesn't create the community connection to funds that have been doing [this for years]," Gray says, adding that people who try to start their own organisations are driving potential clients away from safer, more established networks. "We want to make sure our callers come to us with radical trust."
Regardless of your intentions, it's crucial to do your research before getting involved in groups that affect other people's livelihoods. Below, learn more about some of the most well-established abortion funds in the US.
For people looking to start their own abortion funds, you'll first want to be sure there isn't already an established fund in your area that you can join. You can also fill out Apiary's general interest form before getting started to receive guidance from professionals on how to securely expand your team's reach.