Abortion is still legal in more than half of U.S. states, but many people may not be able to access the care they need in the states they live in. As criminalization of pregnancy and abortion becomes increasingly normalized, there are a number of legal considerations to keep in mind when looking for care remembering that those already marginalized are most at risk for criminalization. Rafa Kidvai, Director of the Legal Defense Fund at If/When/How and Liz Ling, Senior Helpline Counsel at If/When/How, talk to us about the new landscape of abortion access in the U.S. and how someone can go about safely and reliably accessing an abortion.

 

If you’re pregnant and looking for abortion care, you can start with abortionfinder.org and Ineedana.com to find out what type of care is available closest to you. Regardless of where you are, be cognizant of your digital privacy—be aware of your search history, who you are sharing information with, and how often you are sharing information. Pregnancy and abortion criminalization may be bolstered by law enforcement obtaining copies of digital receipts. 

 

Once you are in front of a medical professional, ask as many questions as you may have. Again, be aware of the people around you at this time and those that may be trustworthy with information regarding your abortion care. Be aware of your digital footprint and turn off your location services on your phone when you go to a clinic. After an abortion, it’s again important to remember who you are sharing information with. If you are contacted or detained by law enforcement, call the Repro Legal Helpline and do not speak without a lawyer present. You can also contact the helpline if you are helping someone access care and need advice or guidance. 

 

If/When/How’s Repro Legal Helpline is a completely free and confidential resource for anyone who may have questions about reproductive justice—including what your rights are and what state laws are so that you feel fully informed in making a decision. You can receive information on what legal risks you may face based on if and how you choose to end a pregnancy, as well as options and legal barriers that you may specifically face in certain states if you are a young person. The Repro Legal Defense Fund raises bail for those who are criminalized for pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and self-managed abortion. The defense fund, in addition, pays legal and attorney fees, engages a network of expert witnesses, and creates arguments against junk science that often underlies pregnancy and abortion criminalization. 

 

Links

 

If/When/How on Twitter

If/When/How on Facebook

Abortionfinder.org

Ineedana.com

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