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Dear John,
Since Roe was overturned, the state of abortion access has become absolute chaos. But you can still take action to support abortion rights. Things are changing by the minute as we enter a new and terrifying legal landscape, which is why we want to keep you up to date on the latest developments on abortion and on how you can fight back.
We’re launching this State of Abortion Access newsletter to be your round-up of state abortion laws (the good, the bad, and the unconstitutional), actions you can take, and the latest takes on abortion access.
Things are changing by the minute. So before I get another news alert, let’s dive into the State of Abortion.
What’s happening in the states?
KANSAS
First, the good news. A majority of people in the United State support the right to abortion! Kansans for Constitutional Freedom organized for months to make sure residents were ready to turn out to the polls and defeated an attempt to overturn their state’s constitutional right to abortion. A huge thank you to Trust Women, ACLU Kansas, Planned Parenthood of Greater Plains Votes, and URGE for making last night’s win possible!
Take action: Support abortion access in Kansas by donating to the Kansas Abortion Fund and Trust Women Foundation. You can also support other fights to protect abortion on the ballot in Michigan, Kentucky, Vermont, California, and Montana.
INDIANA
Legislators in Indiana are rapidly attempting to pass a near-total abortion ban with limited exceptions as early as tomorrow.
Take action: If you’re in Indiana, you can get involved in the fight locally. Follow ACLU of Indiana and Women4Change for opportunities to get involved. Women4Change has great opportunities for you to support their fight to protect abortion here.
WEST VIRGINIA
The West Virginia special session to ban abortion is currently paused following powerful local organizing.
Take action: This pause means that more folks in West Virginia will be able to access abortion, thanks to folks who mobilized on the ground. To stay plugged in on this fight, follow @ACLU_WV on Twitter.
KENTUCKY
A Kentucky state appeals court has reinstated a trigger law banning abortion. Abortion is now illegal in the state. Kentucky residents will have the chance to vote on a ballot measure in November on whether abortion protections are explicitly against their state constitution.
Take action: Donate to the Kentucky Health Justice Network. Follow @kyhealthjustice, @kytranshealth and @acluofky for local updates on what you can do for Kentucky residents, patients and providers. And sign up to volunteer or donate to support the ballot measure fight on the ground.
GEORGIA
Thanks to reproductive justice leaders in Georgia, the Atlanta City Council voted to allocate funding for abortion access.
Take action: Volunteer your time or donate to Amplify Georgia Collaborative who is fighting for affordable and dignified abortion care for Georgians.
TEXAS
This week Austin, Texas, passed the GRACE Act—which aims to decriminalize abortion in the city.
What else can I do?
- Offer practical support to people seeking abortions in your state. Besides volunteering at clinics, people need support traveling to get abortions. Different states have different organizations and logistical asks.
- Donate to abortion funds: You’ve heard it many times before, if you’re able to donate to abortion funds, please do. It is needed right now for patients who cannot access care in their state.
- Get informed and stay informed: Check out our reading list below each week and share information with your friends!
- Do what you can not to burn out: This is going to be a big fight, and we cannot afford to lose focus in a few weeks or months. Pace yourself in your consumption of news and make abortion advocacy a consistent part of your life.
I want to learn more!
Right now, state and local fights are critical: restoring abortion access is a generational fight and will take long-term, consistent action in our communities. State politicians are working tirelessly to pass dangerous bans and restrictions on abortion—and we need to pay attention. Because when we do, we can use our power to stop them—just like Kansas and West Virginia organizers showed us this week.
In solidarity,
Caitlin Panarella
(she/her/hers)
Campaigns Associate
National Women's Law Center
P.S. Check out our resource hub for updates!
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