Are you outraged that women in multiple states have lost their reproductive rights and, in some cases, are literally dying as doctors stand by helplessly to watch them near the brink of death before they can intervene? I know that I certainly am.

As the country prepares for a second Trump presidency, reproductive justice organizations are strained and they NEED help from people LIKE YOU.

Read on to learn more about the different types of groups that are taking a stand for abortion rights, even in states where the government is openly hostile towards their basic human rights.

Practical Support Volunteers

These types of organizations are the ones doing the real person-to-person work involved in helping pregnant people get the medical care they need, regardless of where they happen to live in the country.

They are usually regional or specific to a US state, but they all generally offer the same types of help to those in need.

The most common type of practical support organization is an abortion fund, which mainly focuses on securing financial resources and funding that will cover an out of state patient's healthcare costs (as well as travel, loding, etc...that's where volunteers come in)!

If you need to locate such a group in your state, visit the National Network of Abortion Funds to find listings by state.

If you want to help the actual patients who desperately need you, then a practical support organization might call upon you to do the following types of volunteer work:

• Provide transportation to patients who are visiting from out of city or even out of state
• Welcome an out-of-city or state patient into your home for a night or two while they visit your city to get medical care
• Provide food, snacks and other comforts to patients visiting your city

One of the most inspiring and exciting types of practical support volunteering I've seen spring up since the overturn of Roe v Wade is the work being done over at Elevated Access. They are a network of volunteer pilots who are helping people in states with abortion bans travel in order to get the care they need.

Abortion Clinic Escort Volunteers

In southern states that still have operating abortion clinics, volunteer escorts are a much needed type of advocate. In many states, protestors harrass people who are simply attempting to access healthcare. There is no excuse for their behavior, but all you have to do to get a look at just how ugly things can get is to search on Youtube for "abortion clinic protestors."

As someone who has been fortunate to live in a state like Oregon that values my human rights, I've never experienced anything like this. I'm frankly shocked at the way I see some of these protestors (often men, oddly...or is it?) treating women who are absolute strangers to them.

So if you are considering a position as a clinic escort, please beware: this is NOT the kind of work that is pleasant or easy in states where protestors are common outside of clinics.

On the contrary, it can be stressful and emotionally taxing. It can also be dangerous.

Abortion Storytellers

If you have had a firsthand experience with abortion yourself, storytelling might be a more empowering and less stressful form of advocacy (although for some, it might not). What is an abortion storyteller, exactly?

Well, it's basically someone who has made the conscious decision to make the story of their experience with abortion a public matter, rather than a private one which they keep to themselves and those they know well.

It is not the right choice for everyone, certainly.

However, if this idea intrigues you then there are plenty of organizations to research and other storytellers who you can listen to as you consider your options.

Here are a few of my favorites, several of which I have worked with directly myself when sharing the story of my abortions.

• Planned Parenthood Advocates - Look up your state's Planned Parenthood PAC (if it has one). This is the political action fund for the organization in your state. Reach out via their website forms or get on their mailing list and attend and in-person event that interests you. Introduce yourself as a volunteer at the event (this is exactly what I did) and get to know some of the other volunteers and the staff. They are generally friendly and warm individuals who will welcome you and appreciate any help you contribute. Inquire about storytelling opportunities and they can probably enroll you in one of their upcoming trainings that will work with you to craft your story and they will support your right to share it with the world.
• TMI Project's Stories for Choice - While this program ran both in 2022 and 2023 (the latter of which I participated in), I'm unaware of whether there will be one in 2024 or not. However, this is a great resource for listening to other storytellers and getting ideas. You can watch the live performances from both years by visting their site. These are also fantastic people who want to help you be heard and tell your story.
• #ShoutYourAbortion - If you are sure storytelling is something you are certain you'd like to try, then you can go post one at the Shout Your Abortion webiste *right now*. You don't even have to include your real name if you'd rather not. Sometimes just throwing what you have to say out into the world can be empowering and helps to set the stage for even bolder action the next time around.

Abortion Doulas

I had heard of doulas before, but I never knew that there were abortion doulas until the past couple of years.

I always thought doulas were birthing assistants, I never would have imagined that any of them offered to accompany and support women when getting abortion procedures. I love this idea!

In fact, I was so interested in the idea initially that I dove right into researching and reading up on the different programs and trainings available for this pathway. However, the majority of resources I found were more focused on traditional things like assisting women who give birth.

It seems that most often, offering abortion support is something some doulas offer but it does not seem like many, if any, focus on it entirely.

• The Doula Project - an organization based in New York which does offer abortion training for doulas and aims to provide lower-income NY residents with volunteer doulas to support them through their abortion experiences
• DONA International - the world's largest certifying organization for doulas. They offer trainings and membership for both doulas and those interested in becoming one.
• DOPO - does not have any currently planned workshops or trainings, but does have a great network of abortion doulas if you need to find support for yourself or someone you know.

Peer Support Advocates

Having abortions involves a lot of emotions, complex considerations that are specific to each individual and the territory can often come with plenty of trauma, whether direct or indirect.

This is why it isn't uncommon to feel a need to be heard and to feel supported by someone.

Sadly, not everyone is fortunate enough to have supportive people in their lives.

That's where you can make a real difference as a peer advocate who supports people considering, having, or have previously had abortions.

• All Options - offers a talkline which anyone can call for free if they need support related to anything reproductive. Parenting, infertility, adoption, abortion and everything in between, they have you covered. I was a volunteer talkline advocate with them for about eight months and it was overall a very positive experience that I would recommend to anyone who thinks they might have the skillset for peer advocacy. This role does require a committment: you will have to complete 40 hours of training with a cohort of other volunteers and once you graduate you will be expected to volunteer for at least 3 shifts (4 hours each) per month. You can call them at +1 (888) 493-0092 M-Fri 10-1am/Sa-Su 10-6 EST.
• Exhale Pro-Voice - similar to All Options, in that they provide non-judgemental emotional support for people who have experienced abortion. If you are more of a texter than a voice call person (like me) then you can reach out to their team by sending an SMS message to: 617-749-2948. Their website says to expect a response within 24 hours.
• Reprocare - another support organization that offers a Healthline that can be reached at (833) 226-7821.
• M + A Hotline - a hotline for those dealing with miscarriage and abortion that can be reached at