SYA talks with activist and scholar Lara Islinger about the diverse world of community networks in the US, the creation and evolution of the Red Transfronteriza (a cross-border Mexico-based network guiding Americans through abortions), and how abortion accompaniment and mutual aid can be used as a tool for political strategy.

Lara Islinger (she/her) is grad student and abortion activist. Her research and activism focus on self-managed abortions and the expansion of the accompaniment model of care to the US and Europe. Lara works closely with the Mexican organization Las Libres as well as other collectives and mutual aid groups that are part of the cross-border network providing free abortion pills and support to Americans, all powered by feminist solidarity. She is also the care coordinator of Abortion Freedom Fund.