Dear John,
We are two months out from the Supreme Court Dobbs decision, and abortion is now wholly banned in many states. Other states are taking the opportunity to further restrict or ban the procedure as well.
Abortion access has worsened, with multiple trigger bans in several states going into effect last week. Despite these bans, there are still actions you can take. The fight remains in the states and in your local areas to fight for abortion access, and we have updates for what you can do and how to help local organizations that are closest to the fight. Let’s dive into the State of Abortion.
What’s happening in the states?
IDAHO
An abortion trigger ban went into effect in Idaho on August 25. The night before the law went into effect, a federal court in Idaho issued a preliminary injunction blocking the law’s impact on emergency medical care. This decision means that pregnant people in Idaho can obtain emergency medical treatment—including abortion—only when their health is at serious risk.
Take action: If you live in a state with abortion access in the northwestern United States, you can sign up as a mutual aid volunteer in multiple capacities through the Northwest Abortion Access Fund.
INDIANA
Indiana legislators passed an abortion ban that will go into effect on September 15.
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.
MICHIGAN
A judge blocked Michigan's abortion ban that was created in 1931, keeping the procedure legal in the state.
Take action: Abortion is on the ballot in Michigan this fall, and Michiganders need your help to protect abortion access in their state. Donate your time or money to the Reproductive Freedom for All campaign.
NEW YORK
Mayor Adams signed multiple pieces of legislation guaranteeing access to safe, affordable abortion in New York City.
Take action: If you live in a state where abortion access is protected, you can still take action locally by offering funding and practical support to out-of-state patients. New Yorkers look to your local organizations for how you can help, including NYAAF and the Haven Coalition.
SOUTH CAROLINA
The South Carolina state Supreme Court temporarily blocked the state’s six-week abortion ban while abortion providers challenge the law in court. State legislators are working to advance other bills that would restrict or ban abortion.
Take action: You can fight anti-abortion bills by sharing your story and using Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network’s (WREN) email and call templates to contact SC legislators.
TENNESSEE:
An abortion trigger ban went into effect in Tennessee on August 25
Take action: Follow Abortion Care for Tennessee on Instagram for updates on activations and upcoming events to support abortion in your area. You can also find multiple local volunteer opportunities through other local advocacy organizations.
TEXAS
An abortion trigger ban went into effect in Texas on August 25. Additionally, a Texas judge blocked Biden’s order requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortions.
Take action: Follow Avow Foundation for Abortion Access on Twitter for local opportunities to volunteer and support fundraisers.
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!
In solidarity,
Caitlin Panarella
(she/her/hers)
Campaigns Associate
National Women's Law Center
P.S. Check out our resource hub for updates!
