American Sexual
Health Association

Texas Abortion Law Threatens Reproductive Rights

Abortion rights, often under fire, are facing the most serious attack since the passage of Roe v. Wade. The American Sexual Health Association decries the recently passed horrific restrictions to abortion access in Texas, compounded by the Supreme Court’s decision to permit enactment. The law bans abortion as early as six weeks, although many people may not know they are pregnant that early. The law goes further, by permitting private citizens to sue anyone involved in abortion and collect a $10,000 bounty.

Abortion restrictions do not have equal impact. The impact will be most devastating for those already in economic distress –Black, indigenous, people of color, and young people seeking care. Such laws don’t end abortion. They drive people to unsafe care or across state lines. For poor or low income people, travel to another state for care my not be feasible.

Equal access to abortion care is essential for social and economic equality and bodily autonomy. Wealthy women will continue to have access to abortion care. But that cannot be said for low-income people or communities of color.

Both legislative and legal remedies are being sought. Multiple court challenges to the law are underway, including several lawsuits in state court in Texas. At the federal level, the Women’s Health Protection Act has been reintroduced in Congress, to stop the anti-abortion and abortion-restrictive legislation in state legislatures across the country. It prohibits states from creating barriers to care and protect health service providers’ ability to offer abortion care. However, six additional states are currently looking at enacting similar restrictions.

Many national and state organizations are closely monitoring this threat to abortion rights and will have updates and opportunities to take action. For more information:

Abortion Care Network
Independent abortion clinics provide care to three out of every five patients who have an abortion in the United States each year. The Keep Our Clinics campaign is about bringing people together across the country and rallying support for the independent providers that care for our communities.

National Network of Abortion Funds
The National Network of Abortion Funds builds power with members to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice. More than 80 member organizations work across its network to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access. Some of them work with clinics to help pay for your abortion. Some of them offer support such as transportation, childcare, translation, doula services, and somewhere to stay if you have to travel to get your abortion.

Jane’s Due Process
Jane’s Due Process helps young people in Texas navigate parental consent laws and confidentially access abortion and birth control. We provide free legal support, 1-on-1 case management, and stigma-free information on sexual and reproductive health.

needabortion.org
Information on abortion in Texas. Includes an extensive list of abortion funds that provide direct funding for abortion services, lodging, and transportation for Texas patients.

The National Abortion Federation Hotline
1-800-772-9100
The NAF Hotline Fund operates the largest national, toll-free, multi-lingual Hotline for abortion referrals and financial assistance in the U.S. and Canada. They provide callers with accurate information, confidential consultation, options counseling, and referrals to providers of quality abortion care. They also provide case management services and limited financial assistance to help you afford the cost of your care and travel-related expenses. The Hotline is free and offers services to everyone, regardless of your individual situation

Aid Access
Aid Access is the private initiative of Dr Rebecca Gomperts. It consists of committed team of doctors, activists and advocates for abortion rights. The purpose of the website and the service is to create social justice and improve the health status and human rights of women who do not have the possibility of accessing local abortion services.

Plan C
Plan C provides up-to-date information on how people in the U.S. are accessing abortion pills online. This website is an educational resource for learning about how people in the US are accessing abortion pills and safely managing their own abortions.