Roe v. Wade Overturned: 10 Abortion Funds To Donate To
Plus, how to tell if a fund is legit.
On Friday, June 24, the Supreme Court officially overturned Roe v. Wade, striking down the decades-old right to legally obtain an abortion. Although the decision does not make abortion illegal nationwide, it does solidify the fact that abortion is no longer a constitutional right, meaning that individual states will decide whether to ban the practice or set tighter restrictions.
As America enters a post-Roe era, people everywhere are concerned about their reproductive rights and have already begun organizing and trying to find ways to help.
“Right now, we need resources as we continue to gear up for the surge of people seeking abortion care from states where abortion is going to be quickly banned,” says Jackie Dilworth, director of marketing and communications for Whole Woman’s Health Alliance, a non-profit abortion provider operating clinics in several states. “The negative domino effect of these trigger bans is imminent, so we want to be in a position to help as many as possible.”
The best form of immediate action is to donate, according to Dr. Deb Risisky, Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator in Public Health at Southern Connecticut State University.
How do I make sure I’m donating to a legit fund?
If you’re worried about whether or not a fund is legit, Dilworth suggests checking with the IRS to see their online database where you can check whether an organization is registered. You can also find out if your donation is tax-deductible and if the fund is operating as a non-profit or 501c3.
Additionally, you should be doing a deep dive into the organization before donating to make sure they’re giving your money to the right causes. “There [are] all these like pregnancy clinics, and a lot of women are thinking that they’re going to get counseling for abortions, when in fact, they’re not, it’s actually the opposite,” says Risisky. “There’s a lot of false advertising.”
If you’re ready to get involved, read on for a solid list of abortion funds you can donate to right now, by region.
Southern funds:
Access Reproductive Care-Southeast or (ARC Southeast): Supports southerners in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee by providing funding and logistical support to ensure safe reproductive care, including abortion services.
Kentucky Health Justice Network: Helps those seeking abortion with financial assistance, transportation, and more. They also host workshops on reproductive justice to spread awareness.
Whole Woman’s Health Alliance – Stigma Relief Fund: This fund helps those who cannot afford to pay for an entire abortion on their own. The Virginia-based group also helps fight the stigma of abortions.
Northwestern funds:
Northwest Abortion Access Fund: Supports those living in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska by helping people pay for their abortion care. They send funding directly to clinics, help people get to and from their clinic, and help those receiving treatment find a safe place to stay.
Northeastern funds:
Reproductive Freedom Fund of New Hampshire: This group provides direct funding to individuals who need help finding a provider and gaining financial assistance.
Western Pennsylvania Fund for Choice: By donating to this fund, you can help with a client’s abortion, transportation, and other costs that come with undergoing the procedure.
Midwestern funds:
Iowa Abortion Access Fund: Provides financial resources and counseling to those seeking abortions in Iowa. This non-profit team runs off of community donations.
Reclaim MI WIN Fund: Provides financial assistance to those who need additional funds for their abortion or unanticipated costs leading up to their appointment, including medications, transportation, and child care.
Western funds:
Abortion Access Fund (Nebraska): Provides funding for clinic owners, providers, and patients in Nebraska.
Indigenous Women Rising: Based in New Mexico, this fund is available for all indigenous groups in the United States and Canada who are seeking an abortion.