How You Can Help Expand Access to Abortion Care
Abortion access is a fundamental part of reproductive health care, family planning services, and broader health care access that allows people to make decisions about their futures. Without it, inequality grows, and people with fewer resources face devastating consequences.
When safe and legal abortion is out of reach, the risks to health and well-being rise sharply. Expanding access helps to reduce maternal mortality, particularly in communities already experiencing barriers to care. Whether you are an advocate, a donor, or simply someone who cares about reproductive justice, there are meaningful ways to make a difference.
Let’s walk through five of the most effective steps you can take to support abortion rights and improve reproductive health services for everyone.
1. Support Local and National Organizations
The most direct way to expand abortion access is by donating to or volunteering with organizations doing the work on the ground. Local and national groups often provide critical support, such as:
Providing financial assistance for abortion services, including medication, procedures, and travel costs
Offering family planning support and counseling while connecting patients with trusted clinics
Expanding telehealth options to serve people in rural or underserved communities
These organizations often rely on community members stepping up. Whether you give monthly, attend fundraisers, or volunteer, your efforts strengthen a safety net that ensures access doesn’t depend solely on income or geography.
The Roe Fund provides vital financial assistance for people seeking abortion care, ensuring that cost is not a barrier. Donating to organizations such as the Roe Fund directly expands access where it’s needed most.
2. Advocate for Policy Change
Policy change is essential for protecting and expanding abortion rights long-term. Advocacy can take many forms, from contacting your representatives to attending local meetings. Every voice adds pressure on lawmakers to prioritize reproductive health care.
Here are some effective actions you can take:
Call or email your state and federal representatives to support policies that expand reproductive health services.
Vote in local and national elections with abortion rights in mind.
Participate in community education about what reproductive justice means and why it matters.
Policy work might feel slow, but it creates lasting change that protects future generations. Even small acts of advocacy compound into a stronger movement.
3. Practice Mutual Aid and Community Support
Even when abortion is legal, practical barriers often stand in the way. Mutual aid is about communities stepping in to ensure no one has to navigate this process alone. By pooling resources, time, and care, people create a safety net that fills the gaps left by systems and policies.
Some ways to practice mutual aid include:
Donating to funds that help cover travel, lodging, or procedure costs
Volunteering to drive patients to and from appointments
Offering childcare, meals, or other practical support for people undergoing procedures
Sharing accurate information and resources for those traveling across state lines
These acts of solidarity show that access is not only about laws but also about people showing up for each other. Together, communities can turn the principle of care into a lived reality, making safe abortion possible for everyone who needs it.
4. Reduce Stigma and Spread Accurate Information
One of the most powerful tools for expanding abortion rights is knowledge. Stigma and misinformation are two of the biggest barriers to reproductive health care. Sharing facts about abortion helps combat myths that harm people’s ability to make informed decisions.
Here are some reliable facts to remember:
The FDA has confirmed that medication abortion is both safe and highly effective. It successfully ends pregnancy in 99.6% of cases, with serious complications occurring in only 0.4% of cases.
Unsafe abortions are a major global health risk: About 68,000 people die each year from unsafe procedures, making them a leading cause of maternal death.
Ordering abortion pills online through verified telehealth providers is a safe and effective option, offering greater privacy and convenience for patients.
It’s legal to cross state lines to obtain an abortion, as the US Constitution protects the right to interstate travel.
People can obtain abortion pills before pregnancy. Health care providers prescribe and mail the medication for future use so it’s available if needed later.
Talking openly about these realities helps normalize the conversation and combat the widespread misinformation surrounding abortion.
5. Take Everyday Actions to Build a Supportive Culture
Cultural change is just as important as policy. Every person has the power to shape a more compassionate environment where people feel safe seeking reproductive health services. Here are some everyday actions you can take:
Educate yourself about reproductive rights and the barriers people face in accessing reproductive care.
Support friends or family members who need access to family planning services or abortion.
Promote stories that highlight the importance of health care access.
Push back gently but firmly when you hear harmful myths or stigmatizing language.
Building a culture of support makes it easier for individuals to take action when they need care. It also reduces isolation and fear for people making deeply personal decisions.
Everyone Has a Role to Play
Expanding abortion access is about ensuring that reproductive health services are safe, affordable, and available to all who need them. It’s also about defending abortion rights while investing in compassionate, practical solutions that meet people where they are.
No matter your role, you can help. Donate to organizations, advocate for policy change, break down practical barriers, share facts about abortion, and take everyday actions that foster a supportive culture. Each effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement.
Need Help?
The Roe Fund is dedicated to supporting anyone seeking access to reproductive health care, including information and financial assistance related to abortion services. While the Roe Fund itself doesn’t provide abortion services, we play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their options and connect with the resources they need. Specifically, we fund abortion clinics and assist pregnant people in gathering information on obtaining a safe, legal abortion.
We partner with clinics nationwide, offering financial assistance to those who qualify. This support is designed to ease the financial burden of seeking safe and legal abortions. We empower individuals by connecting them with credible resources and clinics that can help, including information on obtaining medical abortion pills.
If you believe in reproductive justice and equitable access to care, please consider donating or spreading the word.