ACLU Supporter –

No one should face criminal charges for providing, obtaining, or helping someone get essential health care – that includes abortion care. It is devastating that with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, providers, helpers, and patients in some states may face that reality.

That is why today, the ACLU is launching the Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative to help those facing criminal prosecutions related to abortion care.

This initiative will establish and work alongside a network of experienced criminal defense attorneys across the country who will be prepared to defend health care providers, patients, and those providing assistance to people seeking care.

ACLU Supporter, the fact is the effects of banning abortion fall hardest on pregnant people with low incomes, people of color, young people, and other marginalized communities.

And it's these very communities that are more likely to suffer the health, economic, and life consequences of being forced to continue a pregnancy to term. Moreover, when abortion is criminalized, the people who are most likely to be investigated and prosecuted are Black, Brown, and those with low incomes.

For years, we have challenged abortion bans across the nation and been a leader in the fight to protect and expand access to abortion care. That work continues. With the launch of ACDI, we will also respond to the threats of prosecution faced by providers, supporters, and those who seek abortion care. Leveraging our deep expertise in criminal defense and reproductive freedom advocacy, the ACLU is prepared to meet the current threat.

In the face of these attacks on our reproductive freedom, we will continue to show up and protect our rights.

As the Director of this urgent initiative, I cannot thank you enough for being part of our community. Please get to know our Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative work today and we'll be back with more soon.

In solidarity,

Lauren Johnson
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Director of the Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative, ACLU