Raising the floor for abortion access

While we approach the end of a devastating four years under Trump, our work is far from over. Inauguration day will open up possibilities for us to push for much-needed change: end the Hyde Amendment and other laws that render abortion illegal and inaccessible, end the policing of pregnant people, increase access to medication abortion, and economic relief and protection for so many struggling under the weight of the pandemic, systemic racism, and income inequality.

While we will, along with many movement organizations, remain watchful and ready to defend the election results, we are heartened by the potential for this country to repair harm and rebuild back to the bare minimum of basic democracy after four years of autocratic rule, but also pushing even further toward our vision of justice and liberation. Together we’ll demand that the Biden administration defend abortion access and so much more.

Despite the outcome, this election was a stark reminder that white supremacy, misogyny, and other forms of bigotry run deep in this country and will not be eliminated by the removal of Donald Trump from power. Over 70 million Americans—including an increased 57% of white people— voted to denigrate the rights, dignity, autonomy, and humanity of Black, Indigenous, immigrant and other people of color, of LGBTQ people, and of all people who are systemically denied access to abortion and other necessary healthcare. No matter who holds office, this is a painful reminder that white people must reckon with the racist roots of American institutions and the present day oppression that continues to take place in their name and under their power. It’s time for white people to recommit to the fight for liberation through bold anti-racist action and by redistributing wealth and resources.

As I write this, abortion access is at greater risk than it’s ever been. The confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court cements a 6-3 conservative supermajority that has all but promised to put abortion on the chopping block. In the next few years, we may see the end of legal abortion in more than 20 states. We have been planning for this possibility for over a year. It’s going to take more of all of us and we need your help.

Donate to an abortion fund today

Beyond the future of Roe v. Wade, this ultra-conservative Supreme Court will rule on issues that affect our lives, our bodily autonomy, and our ability to create families in so many ways. Over just the next few weeks, the Court may make decisions that impact the ability of LGBTQ people to build families, the future of the Affordable Care Act, voting rights, and more. Make no mistake, we are still facing an existential threat to our humanity.

Despite this sobering reality, this network knows that the courts have never been the pathway to liberation for the thousands of pregnant people calling abortion funds every year. We’re going to do what we’ve always done: support people navigating barriers to abortion, and invest in a world strengthened by our care for each other. 

Recently I said to a group of over 70 abortion fund leaders that times like these are tests of the righteousness of our vision, values, and practices. Abortion funding is a political act deeply rooted in solidarity. It is based on a belief in collective power, and the responsibilities we have to our larger communities. We believe that power is unevenly held in institutions, and it is our responsibility to act in ways that correct those imbalances. Joining the community of abortion funds is a political act that puts resistance and love front and center. Rather than settling for scarcity, we’re building our strength in abundance and community.

Join us by donating to an abortion fund today.

In solidarity,
Yamani