Laws have never been the only thing that make it harder to access abortion in the US. Cost, proximity, child care, transportation, loss of wages, deliberately inaccurate information from crisis pregnancy centres, social stigma, and myriad other factors have limited reproductive freedom for decades, especially for marginalised communities fighting compounding issues of racism, classism, agism, homophobia, transphobia, and immigration status. That being said, the reversal of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that codified the constitutional right to certain types of abortion will drastically and immediately limit access to abortion care for millions of Americans.
For nearly 30 years, abortion funds have been supporting communities throughout the US by offsetting the medical and practical costs of abortion, helping to locate and fund legitimate clinics, and educating people about their options with compassion and care. With abortion likely to be inaccessible in more than 20 states in the near future, the imperative work to centre and support people seeking access to abortion care must become a priority for all reproductive freedom and justice advocates.
Below, you’ll find information on abortion funds in each of the 22 states the Guttmacher Institute deemed “certain” to restrict or ban abortion outright when Roe was reversed, 13 of which have so-called “trigger laws” already in place. There is no question: donating to one or more of these funds will change and save lives.
A quick note before you select your fund: if you think this cause is important today, it will be even more important in July, October, and February. “Rage giving” is helpful, but it isn’t enough to fund a movement. Consider becoming a monthly donor to help abortion funds forecast their resources and better serve their communities. Remember, too, that many abortion funds are volunteer run and operate on a skeleton staff. As new restrictions go into effect in each state, these funds will have to adapt to new environments and may not have the administrative capacity you might expect from other nonprofits you support. Give them grace.
Alabama
In Alabama, a 2019 law could go into effect banning nearly all abortions, with exceptions only for medical emergencies. Under the statute, anyone who performs the procedure could be imprisoned for up to 99 years. You can support Alabamans in need of abortion care by giving to the Yellowhammer Fund.
Arizona
While there is a near-total ban on abortion still on the books in Arizona, the state is more likely to enforce a 15-week ban passed earlier this year, which provides exceptions only for the life of the patient. You can support Arizonians in need of abortion care by giving to the Abortion Fund of Arizona.
Arkansas
In 2019, Arkansas legislators passed a law banning abortion in nearly all circumstances – with no exceptions for rape or incest – which will take effect after the court’s decision is certified. Under the law, performing an abortion carries a fine of up to $100,000 and a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment. You can support Arkansans in need of abortion care by giving to the Arkansas Abortion Support Network.
Georgia
In Georgia, a 2019 law criminalising abortion after foetal cardiac activity is detected could take effect, banning abortion before most people even know that they’re pregnant. You can support Georgians in need of abortion care by giving to the ARC-Southeast.
Idaho
In Idaho, a 2020 law will go into effect 30 days after the reversal of Roe v. Wade that will make it illegal to perform or attempt to perform an abortion, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the the patient. You can support Idahoans in need of abortion care by giving to the Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF).
Iowa
Earlier this month, the Iowa Supreme Court overturned a 2018 decision stating that Iowans had a right to abortion under the state constitution, paving the way for more restrictive laws from the state’s Republican-led legislature. You can support Iowans in need of abortion care with a gift to the Iowa Abortion Access Fund.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, a 2019 law goes into effect classifying abortion care as a felony, with exceptions only for the life of the patient. You can support Kentuckians in need of abortion care by giving to the Kentucky Health Justice Network.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, a 2006 law goes into effect making performing almost any abortion punishable by up to 10 years in prison, with fines ranging between $10,000 and $100,000. You can support Louisianans in need of abortion care through the The Goldstein Fund (North Louisiana) or the New Orleans Abortion Fund (NOLA and Gulf South).
Michigan
In Michigan, a 1931 near-total ban on abortion remains on the books. While the law is currently unenforced, future elections could pave the way for additional restrictions to sit alongside the waiting periods, prohibitions on insurance coverage, parental-consent requirements, and other limitations currently in place in the state. You can support Michiganders in need of abortion care with a gift to the Midwest Access Coalition.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, a 2007 law will take effect after the court’s decision has been certified. It makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, with limited exceptions for rape and the life of the patient. This is in addition to the six-week ban on abortion that served as the catalyst for the Supreme Court’s decision. You can support Mississippians in need of abortion care through the Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund.
Missouri
Missouri’s 2019 trigger law serves as a near-total ban on abortion and makes performing the procedure a Class B felony that could result in a doctor losing their medical license. It will take effect as soon as the court’s decision is certified by the state’s attorney general. You can support Missourians in need of abortion care through the Missouri Abortion Fund.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, a 2007 law will take effect within 30 days of the court’s decision being certified. It prohibits all abortions, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the patient. This is in addition to a ban on the dilation-and-evacuation abortion method and a six-week ban on abortion, which were passed in 2019 and 2013, respectively, and which could also take effect. You can support North Dakotans in need of abortion care through the North Dakota Women In Need Abortion Fund.
Oklahoma
Earlier this year, Oklahoma’s governor signed a bill banning abortion from the moment of fertilisation, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies. While this ban is already in effect, the state also has trigger laws in place. You can support Oklahomans in need of abortion care through the Roe Fund.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, a 2021 law that is not currently in effect but that could be made enforceable post Roe bans most abortions after six weeks. You can support South Carolinians in need of abortion care through the JEN (Justice Empowerment Network).
South Dakota
In South Dakota, a 2005 law goes into effect that makes performing an abortion a Class 6 felony, with exceptions only in cases where the patient’s life is in jeopardy. You can support South Dakotans in need of abortion care through the JEN (Justice Empowerment Network).
Tennessee
In Tennessee, a 2019 law will go into effect 30 days after Roe v. Wade is overturned. The law makes performing an abortion a Class C felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. It makes exceptions only for cases involving the life and health of the patient. You can support Tennesseeans in need of abortion care through the Mountain Access Brigade.
Texas
In Texas, a six-week ban on abortion is already in effect that is enforceable through civil action. The state also has a trigger law in place that will prohibit nearly all abortions starting 30 days after the Supreme Court’s decision. Under the statute, performing an illegal abortion would carry a fine of at least $100,000. You can support Texans in need of abortion care by giving at NeedAbortion.org.
Utah
In Utah, a 2020 law will go into effect after the state’s legislative general counsel has certified the court’s decision. It will make performing an abortion a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, with exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, severe birth defects, and medical emergencies. You can support Utahns in need of abortion care by giving at the Utah Abortion Fund.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, a 2018 state constitutional amendment explicitly states that there is no right to abortion access in the state, paving the way for future restrictions. You can support West Virginians in need of abortion care with a gift to the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, an 1849 near-total ban on abortion – passed 70 years before women had the right to vote – remains on the books. While state leaders have said that they will not enforce it, the future remains uncertain, and elections will be crucial to protecting reproductive rights. Support Wisconsinites in need of abortion care with a gift to the Women’s Medical Fund.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, a law passed earlier this year will go into effect within days of the court’s decision being certified. It criminalises abortions and establishes a penalty of up to 14 years in prison for those who perform them, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the patient. You can support Wyomingites in need of abortion care through Chelsea’s Fund.
