Organizations that assist in covering the costs of abortions are setting limits on the amount of help they can provide due to increasing travel expenses and a decline in the “rage giving” trend that supported them two years ago. Abortion funds, which have been operational across the United States for many years, typically as volunteer-run groups, expanded rapidly following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, eliminating the national right to abortion. Donations poured in from supporters who viewed these groups as crucial in preserving access to abortion as numerous Republican-controlled states enforced bans.
The growth of these funds and the broader availability of abortion pills have contributed to a slight increase in the number of abortions, despite bans in 14 states on abortion at all stages of pregnancy and in four states after about six weeks of pregnancy, a point at which many women may not yet realize they are pregnant. However, even with record budgets, the funds are unable to bridge all the financial gaps between the cost of obtaining abortions and what women can afford, especially as they now have to travel longer distances for legal procedures.
The National Abortion Federation, which supports individuals seeking abortions nationwide, previously covered half the cost of the procedure for callers who could not afford it. As of July, they have reduced this assistance to 30%. Brittany Fonteno, the president and CEO of the organization, cited rising demand and costs as reasons for the cutbacks, despite having a record budget of $55 million this year. Fonteno emphasized that those most affected by funding shifts and abortion bans are often individuals who can least afford to be deprived of care, including people of color, younger individuals, immigrants, and those with lower incomes.
Other groups, such as the Blue Ridge Abortion Fund in Virginia and the Cobalt Abortion Fund in Colorado, have also implemented limits on aid to prevent depleting their resources. The Blue Ridge Abortion Fund frequently reaches its budget threshold each week and must postpone requests until the following week, while the Cobalt Abortion Fund has capped its spending. Karen Middleton, the president of the Cobalt Abortion Fund, likened these organizations to the “bake sale of the abortion rights movement,” highlighting their resourcefulness.
These abortion funds, many of which have operated out of the public eye for years, have seen increased demand as the abortion landscape has shifted. For instance, the Cobalt Abortion Fund spent $206,000 in 2021, with only a small portion allocated to travel costs. However, in 2022, they anticipate spending $2.2 million, with a significant amount dedicated to travel expenses and logistical arrangements. This surge in demand has transformed some funds into de facto travel agencies, as they coordinate accommodations and transport for patients.
The pressure on these funds has intensified following changes in abortion laws, such as Florida’s ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, prompting Floridians to seek care in neighboring states like Virginia. This influx of patients has strained resources, leading to policy adjustments and collaborations among funds to cover costs effectively. Political developments, including measures on the November ballots proposing to establish a state constitutional right to abortion in nine states, could potentially alleviate some of the financial strain on these organizations.
In the meantime, supporters have redirected some of their contributions towards these ballot measure campaigns, impacting the funds. Despite the challenges, organizers emphasize the continued need for support to ensure that individuals seeking abortions, particularly those facing financial barriers and travel challenges, can access the care they need.
