2022 Spring Newsletter

Letter from Debasri Ghosh, Managing Director

Dear Abortion Access Champion,

It’s difficult to describe the weight of this moment. As this newsletter goes to print, we’re reeling from a confirmed leaked draft majority decision of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a significant case centered on a Mississippi abortion ban. That draft clearly, cruelly, and forcefully overturns Roe v. Wade. Over the next weeks, we’ll await the final decision knowing that, with an ultra-conservative court, a post-Roe future is on the horizon.

In the last few months, we’ve watched state lawmakers across the country push an egregious legislative agenda steeped in fear and intimidation; in the wake of this news, in just the past few days, we’ve seen those anti-abortion lawmakers accelerate their attacks and make clear their intent to eradicate access. We’ve seen laws passed and bills in progress that are designed to undermine our reproductive autonomy, limit our access to gender-affirming healthcare, and constrict our ability to plan for our families and our futures. Our communities deserve to be cared for, not shamed and policed. 

But the truth is, abortion funds have been supporting people to navigate barriers for decades and are uniquely prepared for a post-Roe future. We know Roe has never guaranteed access for people struggling financially, people who are forced to travel long distances for care, and for communities of Black, Indigenous, and people of color who are disproportionately criminalized for their abortion decisions and pregnancy outcomes. Regardless of what comes next, we will not leave anyone behind. Abortion funds will continue doing what they’ve always done — make sure people can get the abortions they need — with or without Roe in place.

With all that we’re up against, it’s normal to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. In these difficult times, let the power of abortion funds be a beacon. In these pages, I am pleased to share with you some of the ways we are fortifying the collective power of the network and bringing forward our vision for the future. And soon, we will be welcoming our new Executive Director who will help guide us into this new chapter. 

When institutions fail us, we are the ones who provide safety and community care for one another. We do this work for ourselves, for each other, and for generations to come. With you on our side, we will never stop organizing to build a world in which everyone can access the abortions they want and need — free from stigma, criminalization, and harassment. 

In solidarity,

Debasri Ghosh

Managing Director, National Network of Abortion Funds

Download the 2022 Spring Newsletter PDF (English)

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Moving Money to Build Power

We know that times of crisis require immediate and compassionate action; abortion funds deserve nothing less. With your support, we’ve relaunched the Abortion Funds Crisis Relief Fund… Read more.

Funds Demand: Abortion Within Reach

In the fall of 2021, abortion funds collaborated to draft a set of demands in response to the escalating attacks on abortion. The demands assert a vision for the future of abortion access as the stakes escalate around the United States. Read More.