Facing the potential end of Roe v. Wade, Tampa Bay Abortion Fund are prioritizing clients and seeking community support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, FL — May 3, 2022 — In light of the leaking of the Supreme Court draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that would overturn a constitutionally protected right to abortion, Tampa Bay Abortion Fund is numb and disappointed, but is still preparing to continue fighting for our clients.
Floridians have already been dealing with attacks from their state government on their freedom to abortion. We just saw the 24 hour delay go into effect, which has had an enormous impact on our clients, our clinics and our operations. Additionally, the pending 15 week ban signed into law by the governor, effective July 1, places yet another undue barrier on pregnant people in need of abortion care and will force many to go out of state for their care. Many people seeking abortion care already face barriers to access, such as lack of funding, lack of transportation, and a lack of child care.
As a fully volunteer-run abortion fund we are already inundated by requests for help, and we strive to serve everyone to the best of our ability. Today, some of our highest priorities include:
- 19 clients who have called in need of funding for abortion care;
- One client who is canceling their appointment for the third time due to a lack of childcare;
- Multiple clients in need of transportation to their appointments today, tomorrow and every day.
Our first priority is always to serve our clients. Our plans to help clients will not change. In addition to providing access for our clients, we also believe patients should be informed of their range of abortion care options, including referrals to plancpills.org for detailed, expert information on self-managed abortion through abortion pills.
We have already put systems in place to help clients access abortions out of state. To assist people who are traveling to receive abortion care, TBAF is working with the National Network of Abortion Funds’ Operation Scale Up, serving Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, and the Regional Logistics Center, created by Planned Parenthood St. Louis Region and the Hope Clinic for Women, in Illinois. TBAF is also partnering with the Brigid Alliance and the Emergency Assistance Fund to provide logistical and travel support for Tampa Bay area residents who will be forced to seek abortion care in other states.
TBAF is calling on the Tampa Bay community to help spread the message about abortion options, including self-managed abortion, and to continue funding abortion care. We are 100% volunteer run and our clients come first in our time and energy. You can help us by volunteering to drive clients to their appointments, provide childcare during appointments, take intake calls, spread the word to everyone on self-managed abortion and donate.
To donate or volunteer visit tbafund.com.
ABOUT TAMPA BAY ABORTION FUND:
The Tampa Bay Abortion Fund removes financial and logistical barriers to abortion access. It specifically assists pregnant people needing support seeking abortion at providers throughout Tampa Bay. TBAF is volunteer-run and funds our callers through donations and grants.
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CONTACT:
Tampa Bay Abortion Fund
info@tbafund.com
Tampa Bay Abortion Fund 