Friday, we received the devastating news SCOTUS overturned Roe v Wade- setting up for multiple state to severely restrict or completely make abortion illegal. My heart has been hurting all weekend. I can’t even begin to fathom the death this will bring. The trauma. The pain. To people who can become pregnant, the ones who love them, and the healthcare workers who will care for them. I have a lot to say on the subject, but I am still processing. However, I wanted to share some resources and actionable steps we can take. I have spent the weekend reading and learning and I’m sharing that here today. I’ll continue to learn and share to help you take action. This is a marathon, not a sprint, so remember to take care of yourself along the way.
Donate
Donations is one of the best things we can do to support abortion clinics and access for pregnant people right now. Established organizations need money to get people the help they need.
Provides financial abortion assistance to people in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Planned Parenthood provides abortions, contraception, and other sexual healthcare for free and low cost. They also provide education on sexual health.
Find abortion funds for each of your state to donate (or apply for a fund).
Protest
Protest are an important way to make our voices heard and exercise our first amendment right. However, due to current political climate and extremist, especially involving the issue of abortion, you must be safe. The ACLU has tips on knowing your rights and how to legally and safely organize a protest as well as attend one.
Finding an Abortion Clinic
Abortion Finder
Abortion Finder. Org allows you to search for abortion providers in your area and also gives you information on medication and procedure abortion to help you choose what is right for you. There is also a state by state guide available.
3 Step Plan
Three for Freedom
OB/GYNs are suggesting any person of child bearing age with the organs to get pregnant (Do NOT believe when a doctor tells you “its not possible” unless the organs are gone) to have a 3 step plan to take control and protect their reproductive freedom.
- Birth Control
- Emergency Contraception
- Medication Abortion Pills
These can be ordered on the Three for Freedom website and you do NOT have to be pregnant to order any of this. You can order to protect yourself (or others) and have on hand.
Vote
I feel our politicians and government have failed us by setting us up for this system failure and not putting it into law. However, things will get worst if we do not vote. We have to vote to have a hope at overturning this. Please ensure you are registered to vote and learn about your Representatives political stance before voting.
Vote.gov gives information on registering to vote and requirement for each state.
Treatment of Medication Abortion
One thing I think is important to note as anti-choice laws go into place across the country, you do NOT have to disclose if you are having a medical vs spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Healthcare workers cannot tell, and they are treated the same. If you have complications from a medication abortion- please seek medical treatment. And do not feel you have to disclose you took the abortion pill.
It breaks my heart to have to tell people they can and possibly need to withhold information from healthcare workers. We are suppose to be a source of support and non-judgment. But I want you to feel safe seeking help. And please know a majority of healthcare workers are adamantly against this ruling and we support you and your autonomy over your body.
Emotional Support
NSN Support Group
Nurses Supporting Nurses is an organization I founded to provide free and low cost support groups and other mental health resources to nurses and CNAs. On Thursday June 30 at 8 pm EST I will be hosting a support group for those who are looking for a safe space to come and process their feelings about Roe v Wade being overturned. It does not feel right to have this be for only nurses, so I have opened this to anyone who needs a safe and healing space. Please fill out the form below to receive the Google Meet link on Thursday for the support group. This will be a confidential and safe virtual group.
I would also like to have a NSN support group for healthcare workers who will experience trauma and distress over this ruling. If this is something that would interest you, please reach out.
Share Information
Even if you cannot get pregnant, please share this information. We have to let people know they can still get this essentially healthcare. They can donate and make a difference. We have to help each other.
Also, healthcare workers, we are NOT mandated to report abortions. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REPORT. You should NOT be giving information without a court order. Please continue to protect our patients right to privacy and bodily autonomy.
Please share this post and place any resources you have in the comments
(or email if you are more comfortable)
1 thought on “Roe v Wade Overturned: Actionable Steps & Resources”
Melissa Weaver
Great resources!
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