Dear John,

As economic stress and health concerns connected to the pandemic rise, health care providers are reporting an increased need for abortion care. An increase that is likely to continue and intensify.

Several of our physician advocates reported from the frontlines to the Associated Press about what it’s like getting abortion care during the pandemic.

Many patients are traveling hundreds of miles to access essential abortion care. Fellow Dr. Marissa Lapedis in Atlanta is seeing patients from Texas since the state has exploited this public health crisis to try to ban abortion.

In Michigan, Fellow Dr. Jen Villavicencio said her pregnant patients’ stress is palpable, “They’re worried about how they will make their rent, feed their family, access a ventilator if the need arises.”

While in New York, Fellow Dr. Meera Shah shares how her clinic is expanding telehealth services to minimize risk to patients and staff and respond to the urgent need for care.

Patients everywhere should not have to put themselves at greater risk of exposure to access essential abortion care. Our physician advocates will continue to share the realities on the ground and push back against any attempt to deny patients reproductive health care.

Thank you for your ongoing support of these dedicated health care providers and advocates.

Jennifer Blasdell
VP, Policy & Strategic Partnerships