8 Vital Resources To Use If You Need An Abortion Or Want To Help Out Someone Who Does
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Bob Korn / Shutterstock On June 24th, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned 50 years' worth of abortion rights by striking down the original Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed people control over their own bodily autonomy.
The nation reeled in protest and grief from having essential reproductive rights taken away from them, while others sprung into action to provide women all over the country with the information necessary to keep the doors open for access to abortion.
Here are some helpful resources to use in case you or someone you know is in need of an abortion.
1. INeedAnA.com
With a simple UI that looks similar to any normal Google Form, INeedAnA.com asks you 3 “non-personally-identifiable pieces of information (that we don’t collect or store),” and provides people with information about their closest abortion clinic while remaining entirely discreet.
They ask you to tell them how old you are, your zip code, and how many weeks it’s been since your last period.
“If you enter that you’re a minor in a state with parental consent laws, we show you that information too,” says the website’s “About” page. “If you click a button asking saying ‘How am I going to afford this?,’ we show you your state’s Abortion Funds and Practical Support Networks,” they add.
INeedAnA’s goal is to make it “as easy as possible for people to find the information and resources that apply to them,” as everyone’s situation is different and might require different resources.
2. AbortionFinder.org
AbortionFinder.org is similar to INeedAnA, but boasts “the most comprehensive directory of trusted (and verified) abortion service providers in the United States.”
With a banner at the top that claims “laws may be in effect that restrict abortion access in some states” because of the SCOTUS ruling, they also inform visitors that it is still legal to travel across state lines to states with legal abortion access.
AbortionFinder.org provides visitors with a state-by-state guide that will assist anyone with ways to acquire access to an abortion, while also explaining the laws that may have gone into effect.
The website also features a search directory similar to the one found on INeedAnA.com and resources for financial assistance.
3. The Auntie Network on Reddit
On Reddit.com, there exists a subreddit called “r/AuntieNetwork” that provides assistance to those who are in need of an abortion procedure or funds going toward access to an abortion.
Members of the Auntie Network are urged to donate funds that will go towards “nieces/nephews/siblings” who require assistance.
They provide creative ways for those who want to lend a hand to be able to assist others in need, while also providing those vulnerable groups with resources.
4. The National Abortion Federation Hotline
If posting your information online or using a shared device such as a computer isn’t possible, then the National Abortion Federation provides the option for a phone call in order to get you the resources necessary for your situation at ProChoice.org.
The “NAF Hotline” at 1-800-772-9100, provides people with options for those who require financial assistance, or access to their referral hotline.
If you want to be referred to providers of quality abortion care, use the direct “NAF Referral Line” at 1-877-257-0012.
5. Planned Parenthood
With the emphasis that they are easily capable of helping minors despite parental consent laws, Planned Parenthood remains one of the best options for finding the necessary resources for those in need.
They provide you with information on where you need to go, whatever providers are in your area, access to financial resources, a state-by-state guide, and valuable information on the different kinds of abortions and what you can expect from them.
Their website (PlannedParenthood.org) also provides a chat system where you can talk to “trained sexual health educators or chatbot,” ensuring a free and private dialogue.
6. PlanCPills.org
At-home abortion pills have become much more popular in recent years, especially in light of the pandemic.
Dubbed “Plan C,” abortion pills are accessible and can be mailed to your residence to save you the trouble of needing to leave your home to find an abortion provider.
They even provide guides for those who live in states where abortion is restricted because of the recent ruling, informing visitors that they may be at risk of legal consequences if they decide to follow through with their decision.
7. ReproLegalHelpline.org
The Repro Legal Helpline provides people with the legal information surrounding abortions and access to procedures on a state-to-state basis, if you don’t want your parents to know, the laws surrounding self-managed abortions (Plan C), or most importantly if you’re a minor.
Through a system called “judicial bypass,” it’s entirely possible to follow through with an abortion procedure without involving your parents in the process, and they help you understand what that process is and how to get it started.
They offer referrals to legal assistance, have a hotline that you can call for information if you can’t use your home computer, and believe that “everyone should be able to access abortion care if they want or need it.”
8. If you want to help, donate to local abortion funds
If you aren’t in need of abortion but wish to donate to the cause and help people get across state lines in order to access abortion providers, click the link here to donate.
ActBlue.com has compiled a list of more than 92 abortion funds that you can choose to donate to individually, or split your donation amongst.
“Abortion is essential,” they write in the tagline, adding that one of the most pivotal things you can do at the moment as an ally is to donate so that others can access the funds necessary to get them across state lines to get to an abortion provider or to afford the abortion procedure.
It is always time to stand up and act, and if you don’t want to join the people in the streets protesting, then you can help at home by spreading the word about the resources available to those in need or donating to those resources yourself.
Isaac Serna-Diez is an Assistant Editor who focuses on entertainment and news, social justice, and politics. He is a graduate of Rutgers University. Keep up with his rants about current events on his Twitter.