For the past several weeks (or years, if we’re being honest) the country has been bracing itself for the end of Roe v. Wade after a leaked opinion draft hinted that the Supreme Court was moving to overrule it. But all that time spent waiting in limbo did not soften the blow when the decision became official Friday morning.
The SCOTUS ruling, which reverses almost 50 years of precedent, overturns the constitutional right to an abortion and leaves individual states in charge of abortion access. As expected, the news was met with outrage. Hours after the decision went public, people were already gathered outside the Supreme Court to protest.
All across the country, citizens are mobilizing to make their voices heard and turning their anger into action. There are many ways to help, whether you want to take to the streets or support long-standing organizations doing the work. But it can be hard to know where to start, so we've put together a list of the top organizations to support so people can maintain the agency to do what we want with our bodies.
In the words of Toni Morrison, “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” It’s time to reclaim our bodies and fight for our freedom of choice. Let the protesting begin. (And read a few tips on how to safely protest here.)
We Won’t Go Back Events
This handy online map features dozens of rallies where you can show your support for abortion rights, especially in the wake of today’s news. Enter your zip code to find local events being held today and in the days to come. There are also some virtual rallies listed if you’d prefer not to go in-person.
The site is partnered with Planned Parenthood, Women’s March, UltraViolet, Move On, Liberate Abortion, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the ACLU.
Your Local Courthouse
The feminist group UltraViolet is rallying citizens to show up and demonstrate at their local courthouses across the country today at 5 p.m. local time. Follow your local organizations’ guidance for details.
National Network of Abortion Funds
In addition to marching, there are people who need help accessing and funding their abortions. The National Network of Abortion Funds created a seamless process to find funds by state and connect donors with these funds. Why donate on a local level? National organizations like Planned Parenthood have large budgets in comparison to local funds. NNAF also tweeted a link to have your donation split among more than 80 different local abortion funds, ensuring that they help communities across the nation.
Indigenous Women Rising
The mission of Indigenous Women Rising is to honor the rights of Native and Indigenous women regarding their access to equitable and culturally safe healthcare and health education while providing resources and advocacy. This includes financial and practical support for Indigenous and Native abortion seekers. They have an abortion fund that serves both Indigenous and non-documented people nationwide, as well as a midwifery fund to support pregnant Indigenous women in need of quality care and support from a midwife or doula.
The Brigid Alliance
Protesting doesn’t just mean marching or donating; it also means financially supporting specific measures. This includes The Brigid Alliance, an organization that helps abortion patients traveling long distances for care get transported safely to and from abortion clinics. In addition to transportation, The Brigid Alliance covers additional expenses such as child care, meals, accommodations, and other travel costs like gas and tolls.
Avow Texas: Unapologetic Abortion Advocacy
What does a dystopian future look like allowing people no access to abortions? Texas offers a glimpse. Within the state, abortion bans begin as early as six weeks and SB 8 puts a $10,000 bounty on individuals who either help someone get or access abortion care. Avow Texas focuses on the fight against abortion stigma and helping Texans who want an abortion get the care they need.
NARAL Pro-Choice America
Register and vote for candidates who support reproductive rights. While the presidential election is important, so are local and midterm elections. Don’t like what you’re seeing? Support local candidates that support the causes you care about. NARAL Pro-Choice America is an organization that spotlights candidates who prioritize women’s healthcare and reproductive freedom. In 2020, the organization advocated for over 200 candidates running for office on all levels, from the statehouse to the U.S. Senate.
The Guttmacher Institute
Someone has to do the research, and the Guttmacher Institute is ensuring we have the correct numbers regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. They do extensive research on abortion and provide invaluable evidence-based advocacy that helps strategic communications. They are also very transparent with their financials, so you know exactly where your donations are going.
Full Spectrum Doula Circle
Often when we think of a doula, we think of someone helping a person deliver a baby. But a doula is actually wholly concerned with the health and care of a pregnant person, including when they are delivering a baby, but not limited to just that. Full Spectrum Doula Circle is exactly what it sounds like: an organization that focuses on the full spectrum of birth and motherhood. Founded by Sarah Whedon, Ph.D., it hosts classes and training sessions for abortion support skills, crafts rituals for abortion and pregnancy loss, and more, because all moms need support, even those who don’t deliver.
National Abortion Federation
When we think of abortion, we may consider the patient, but it’s also essential to think about the needs and the resources of the abortion provider. That’s where National Abortion Federation steps in. Via its website, The National Abortion Federation explains that its mission is “to unite, represent, serve, and support abortion providers in delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care.” This organization also sets the standard for safe, quality abortion care.
The Abortion Care Network
After Roe v. Wade, physicians, feminists, and those who support women’s rights began opening independent abortion clinics across the nation to ensure abortions remained accessible and affordable with high-quality care. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 95 percent of abortions performed are done by independent clinics. The Abortion Care Network supports those clinics so patients can get access, care, and ongoing support.
Make Your Voice Heard at the Midterm Elections
With news this bad, voting hardly feels like it will make a change. But in addition to on-the-ground organizing, electing candidates who support abortion protections can help make a difference.
The primary elections are ongoing right now through September; you can find the date for the one in your state here. The general election will then take place on Nov. 8. On Vote.org, you can check your voter registration status, register to vote if you haven’t already, find your local polling place, and more.
This story has been updated.
