Support Efforts Upstate to Expose CPCs

by Lauren Ashley deLancey, ROCDSA Socialist Feminist Collective

The Socialist Feminist Collective is a group of Rochester, NY Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members organizing around reproductive freedom, economic justice and other feminist issues that especially impact the working class and the poor. We’re proud to have organized several Bowl-A-Thons with NYAAF and are always happy to support an abortion fund that does such incredible work in the state. 

Inspired by our socialist feminist comrades in Pittsburgh DSA, we spent much of 2020 preparing to launch a campaign against Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), sometimes called Pregnancy Resource Centers, in Rochester.

Our goal is to expose CPCs for what they are: fake abortion clinics with an agenda that don’t provide the legitimate reproductive health care that all people deserve. We’re giving the Rochester community the tools to recognize when they’re interacting with a CPC and the resources they’ll need to visit abortion clinics and legitimate reproductive health care providers instead. And as socialists, it is important to us to provide resources to poor pregnant people, including information about how to access abortion funding in Rochester through our friends at NYAAF and where to go for material aid like food, clothing, and baby supplies. 

We’re kicking off this campaign in the new year with a social media push to collect stories about experiences and the release of our new printed brochure about CPCs. If you are a person who sought reproductive healthcare but ended up at a CPC, tell your story! You can submit anonymously through this form, and we may use your experiences on social media or in printed materials. 

Want to learn more? Follow us at @rocsocfem on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and email us with questions, concerns, or ideas at rocsocfem@gmail.com.

Thank you, you blew us away!

Dear friend,

When we called on our community to show up for Giving Tuesday, you astounded us with an inspiring display of power.

With you, we nearly doubled our Giving Tuesday goal of $6,000, with 104 supporters bringing in $11,345! And 27 of you took to social media to mobilize your own communities to donate and understand the realities of abortion access, including  how abortion funding  is linked to racial justice, wealth redistribution, and mutual aid.

We believe that everything we do to create a world without barriers to abortion is only ever possible through community. That’s why our leadership is collectively-run and non-hierarchical. That’s why the bulk of our funding comes from individuals like you, not big foundations and corporations. You’ve been a part of facilitating abundance and support for people seeking abortions in a system that was designed to fail them.

We are always grateful for the network of people in New York and beyond who make this work possible, and we’re particularly inspired today. Thank you for your powerful show of love and community support. Funding abortion is an act of care. Thank you for caring and showing up for people seeking abortion care. 

In community,
The NYAAF Board of Directors

P.S. Did you miss us on Giving Tuesday? Become a monthly supporter or make a one-time gift here

NYAAF Statement on the Confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2020

Media contacts:
NYAAF Communications Co-Managers
May Sifuentes
may@nyaaf.org

Jenna McDavid
jenna@nyaaf.org

Ashwin
ashwin@nyaaf.org

New York, NY—On October 26th, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court by the United States Senate in a highly partisan 52-48 vote. NYAAF joins in the collective outpouring of heartbreak and anger around this confirmation, which occurred just eight days before the 2020 election. To date, over 75 million Americans have already cast their ballots by mail or voted early at an in-person polling location. 

In her time as a judge and law professor, Justice Barrett has signaled her unwillingness to support the right of a person to seek an abortion, and her record as a judge demonstrates her desire to limit reproductive rights to the fullest extent possible. Furthermore, Justice Barrett has opposed the Affordable Care Act, defended the dissenters in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court ruling which made marriage equality the law of the land, and suggested that Title IX does not apply to transgender individuals. The lifetime appointment of Justice Barrett to the Supreme Court threatens our civil rights for a generation, and it does not reflect the will of the people.

As an abortion fund, we know that the basic legal right to an abortion is the floor, not the ceiling. Even with legal protections for abortion at the federal level, far too many people face insurmountable barriers to care. We are resolute in our commitment to building a world where all people have the resources they need to build the families they want and care for these families. Our strength comes from our commitment to each other and this vision — not the courts or the White House. Justice Barrett’s confirmation, and the stacking of local courts with anti-abortion judges, will make this work incredibly challenging but we will root ourselves in the power of our community and fight hard. 

While we may be feeling grief, anxiety, and rage around this confirmation, we do not feel hopeless. Abortion funds are uniquely primed for this moment. NYAAF needs your partnership to continue responding to callers’ needs during these changing times. Please advance abortion access by making a generous gift to NYAAF today. You can also deepen your relationship to abortion access work in New York by becoming a volunteer.

NYAAF’s Statement Regarding The Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2020

Media contacts:
NYAAF Communications Co-Managers
May Sifuentes
may@nyaaf.org

Jenna McDavid
jenna@nyaaf.org

Ashwin
ashwin@nyaaf.org

New York, NY—The New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) expresses its condolences to the family and loved ones of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away on September 18, 2020. Justice Ginsburg took an unwavering approach towards advancing reproductive freedom, civil rights, voter protections, immigration, and healthcare, among so many of the issues that are vital to our survival. Our community continues to mourn her passing. 

This week marked the beginning of Senate confirmation hearings to seat Judge Amy Coney Barrett in Justice Ginsburg’s Supreme Court vacancy. In her time as a judge and law professor, Judge Barrett has signaled her unwillingness to support the right of a person to seek an abortion, and her record as a judge demonstrates her desire to limit reproductive rights to the fullest extent possible. Furthermore, Judge Barrett has opposed the Affordable Care Act, which provides much-needed health care; has defended the dissenters in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court ruling which made marriage equality the law of the land; and has suggested that Title IX does not apply to transgender individuals. 

Although NYAAF is not affiliated with any candidate or political party, we believe that as early voting is already underway, it is unjust and hypocritical for the Senate to try to fill this seat while many have already begun casting their ballots. We urge NYAAF supporters to call their Senators TODAY to oppose the confirmation of Judge Barrett. Dial 202-224-3121 to be connected to the Capitol Switchboard. Urge your Senators to respect the will of the people and wait until after Election Day to nominate a new justice to the Supreme Court. This toolkit from Planned Parenthood Action Fund features talking points and other ways to connect with your elected officials.

No matter what happens in the months to come, abortion funds will continue to be an important resource. Abortion funds are uniquely primed for this moment and need your partnership to continue responding to callers’ needs during these changing times. You can advance abortion access by making a generous gift to NYAAF today. You can also deepen your relationship to abortion access work in New York by becoming a volunteer

The future of the Supreme Court and access to reproductive health care is uncertain, but NYAAF remains committed to protecting abortion access for all. 

Support your local abortion fund and become a NYAAF case manager!

The New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) is excited to announce we will be holding a virtual two-day case manager training on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 from 12-3 pm

NYAAF supports anyone who is unable to pay fully for an abortion and is living in or traveling to New York State by providing financial assistance and connections to other resources. Intake case managers are dedicated volunteers who help manage our intake helpline and work directly with our clients to ensure they have the funds they need. This is a great opportunity to be trained in abortion fund case management, join a community of other committed volunteers, and learn about the abortion funding and clinic landscape in New York State firsthand.  

If you are interested in becoming a case manager and are available for the full training on both days, sign up here by October 7. Please note that space is limited and filling out this form does not guarantee a spot at the training. We will follow up confirming your spot within a week of the form closing.

We especially encourage BIPOC, people who have had an abortion, former clients of NYAAF, members of the LGBTQ+ community, bilingual Spanish-speakers, and New York residents living outside of New York City to sign up.

Feel free to reach out to info@nyaaf.org if you have any questions! 

In solidarity,

Karla, Anna, and Chelsea
Intake Team 
New York Abortion Access Fund

A Statement by the NYAAF Board of Directors Addressing the Reproductive Violence Faced by Immigrants at ICE Detention Center in Georgia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2020


Media contacts:
NYAAF Communications Co-Managers
May Sifuentes
may@nyaaf.org

Jenna McDavid
jenna@nyaaf.org

Ashwin
ashwin@nyaaf.org

New York, NY—Yesterday, major media outlets reported allegations of forced sterilizations at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Ocilla, Georgia. A tip from nurse Dawn Wooten accused the Irwin County Detention Center of medically neglecting their mostly Spanish-speaking immigrant detainees as well as misinforming them about their health conditions. This resulted in an alarmingly high number of hysterectomies performed at the center. If true, these allegations robbed these individuals of their choice to decide if, when, and how to bear a child, and would constitute a violation of their human rights.

The New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) is both horrified and angered by these allegations. As an organization, NYAAF believes that every person should be able to determine their own reproductive destiny and have access to the resources, rights, and respect to be able to do so — no matter who they are, or where they come from. The individuals detained at the Irwin County Detention Center were denied key aspects of a healthy, full life when they were allegedly sterilized without full consent. 

Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and immigrant communities have a long history of being subjected to reproductive violence and coercion by the United States government and other U.S.-based entities. As such, NYAAF joins activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens around the country in condemning the alleged actions of the Irwin County Detention Center and demand a full investigation. We will continue holding our government accountable and demanding justice for anyone whose bodily autonomy has been disrespected. 

Join the NYAAF Board of Directors!

Dear Community,

As an all-volunteer led organization, we at the New York Abortion Access Fund have a rotating Board of Directors who oversee the day-to-day work of running the organization, in partnership with our incredible intake case managers and other volunteers. As we prepare for several current members to close out their terms, we are thrilled to bring on a cohort of new Board Members to continue moving our critical work forward.

Click here to learn more about the available board roles. If you decide you’d like to apply, you can fill out the application form here.  Applications are due by May 15.

The work on the Board involves supporting callers by connecting them to resources and pledging funds toward the cost of their abortions, as well as participating in fundraising, advocacy, and managing our growing organization’s development. Individual Board Members oversee a particular facet of the organization, some with 1-2 Co-Managers, while also helping to guide NYAAF’s strategic direction, manage our budget responsibly, and jump into other work when needed. Joining the Board at this crucial moment provides an opportunity to guide NYAAF’s direction, sustainability, and impact.

We are looking for Board Members to fill roles in communications, fundraising, policy and advocacy, intake, and data management.

A strong candidate for the board will have skills related to one or more of these positions; a deep commitment to reproductive justice; and the enthusiasm to learn, grow, and work collectively with the board to advance NYAAF’s mission. We’re looking for vision and leadership, and leadership potential! No previous board experience is required for these positions.

After reviewing the applications, we will be in touch with select applicants for a casual video interview. We view this as a two-way process. Not only do we hope to find applicants who contribute to our needs, values, and mission, but we hope to be a good fit for your goals as a member of our Board of Directors.

Finally, we recognize that this is a really tough moment. Thinking about joining a board that requires a significant commitment may feel like too much right now, and we appreciate that. I have been returning to the words of Mariame Kaba, a prison abolitionist, activist, educator, and fellow New Yorker.


image: tweet from @prisonculture
Questions I regularly ask myself when I’m outraged by injustice:
1. What resources exist so I can better educate myself?
2. Who’s already doing work around this injustice?
3. Do I have the capacity to offer concrete support & help to them?
4. How can I be constructive?

In this moment, we will be constructive by funding abortions through the incredible mutual aid network you have helped us build. We hope you may also find it constructive to join us as a board member.

Abortion Is Essential Care

Dear friends,

I am a practicing OB/GYN in upstate New York, as well as a proud abortion provider. When I joined the NYAAF Board, I did so with the intent of making abortion safe and affordable for all New Yorkers, because I believe that abortion is essential health care.

In the wake of COVID-19, I still believe this. Although these are uncertain and, in many ways, unprecedented times, timely access to abortion care is critical and must be protected. No one’s reproductive decisions should be determined by their financial resources, or what the state deems “essential care.” Forcing someone to wait to get an abortion can dramatically increase the cost of the procedure, force them to travel across state lines, and in some cases, cut them off from care entirely due to state restrictions.

NYAAF will always be here to facilitate access to abortion, but the recent pandemic makes our presence even more critical. For people seeking abortion care, the impact of COVID-19 has made an already difficult situation harder. As businesses close and people lose their incomes, more people will need our help. To make matters worse, anti-abortion lawmakers in states like Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Iowa are capitalizing on this public health crisis by introducing efforts to ban abortion entirely. We are here to support anyone who is unable to fully pay for an abortion – and that number of people will increase as restrictions continue.

Our goal is to never turn away a caller, but to accomplish that, we need your help. We know this is a stressful time, both mentally and financially, and we are deeply grateful for any contribution that you can give to connect our callers to abortion care. As a result of the pandemic, this year we had to cancel our biggest in-person fundraising event – but we’re still collecting donations online. Your gift will go directly to folks seeking access to care.

I will be practicing medicine to the fullest extent of my abilities in these troubling times – and that includes providing abortions. Just like the obstetric care I provide, abortion care must be timely, compassionate, and accessible for all. Please help me continue to provide that care by supporting NYAAF today.

In solidarity,

Corinne McLeod, MD
NYAAF Board of Directors, Upstate Manager

Bowl-a-Thon Update

As you know, the New York Abortion Access Fund is in the midst of BowlaThon season. We love this event. It’s our biggest fundraiser where we come together to raise most of our annual budget through grassroots fundraising. We relish the chance to see so many of you in person, for what is a key celebration in the state’s reproductive health, rights, and justice community.

Nevertheless, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person part of BowlaThon this year due to the coronavirus outbreak. This is the right thing to do as an organization rooted in caring for our community and intervening in unjust health care systems.

Our callers still need support and the BowlaThon is still in full swing as a virtual grassroots fundraiser. We ask that you sign up or donate to advance our goal today. 

As an abortion funder, you know that our collective actions are what make a difference in shifting unjust systems and moving resources towards care, and fully harnessing the power of our collective action is at the heart of how we respond together to crises like COVID-19. We are rooted in this truth as we recommit to our vital mission of taking the hustle out of health care.

We remain focused on serving the people who call NYAAF every day. The economic and logistical barriers our callers face — inaccessible health care, income inequality, unaffordable housing, and racist immigration and criminal justice systems — are only exacerbated in times of a crisis like COVID-19.

Showing up for people seeking abortion care is a critical piece of a broader ecosystem of solidarity and mutual aid. We ask that you support the BowlaThon alongside these efforts, and if you are participating in mutual aid efforts you think we should know about, please share by responding to this email.

As always, we’re here for people most impacted by every attack on health access and bodily autonomy. We cannot do this work without you, especially in uncertain times. Please consider signing up as a grassroots fundraiser, or donating generously todayWe are grateful for your continued support of Bowlathon.

In solidarity,
The NYAAF Boar

We made history for abortion access!

Yesterday was a historic day for abortion access! New York will become the first city in the country to directly fund abortion by allocating $250,000 of the City’s 2020 budget to NYAAF. We are overjoyed!!

But, there’s still more work to be done. We are currently working with the New York City Council to understand the details of how and when these funds will be dispersed to NYAAF, and in the meantime… we know that the support we provide cannot wait. 

In the face of increasing attacks on abortion access throughout the country, New York City’s commitment to funding abortion sends a powerful message. We are proud to advance health equity and justice at this critical time. As it gets harder for people to access abortion in conservative states, NYC will likely see an increase in out-of-state folks seeking abortion. This city funding means NYAAF will be better-equipped to keep up with the increasing demand and to continue building a movement to lift barriers to abortion access here in New York and across the country.

For months, you supported our #FundAbortionNYC campaign by calling City Council members, signing petitions, and spreading the word. This campaign was a powerful reminder that our collective power can shift resources and culture, and create greater access to abortion care.

We are proud and grateful to have collaborated with the National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) Action Fund, as well as partner organizations including WHARR, All* Above All, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health New York LAN, Reproductive Health Access Project, Abortion Access Front, the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum NYC Chapter, and the National Council of Jewish Women New York. We are especially grateful to members of our own Advocacy & Organizing Committee, made up of Board Members and volunteers, who tirelessly pushed this work forward.

This incredible victory will reverberate throughout the nation, and allow us to better advance our mission to lift barriers to abortion access for people living in our traveling to New York.We could not be more proud to celebrate this victory with our community!

Also we’re in the New York Times!