Abortion Access Crisis: Calling on Corporations to Keep Their Commitments

[Image: A photo of women holding signs that read "Trust Women" and "Reproductive Justice"]

Two Years On: The Reality of Abortion Bans

It’s been two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, leading to a wave of cruel abortion bans across the country. In response, thousands of corporations signed statements of support for abortion access and pledged to cover travel expenses for their employees seeking care. However, with the need for assistance having skyrocketed, we’re facing an abortion access crisis – and it’s essential that those who made commitments keep them.

The Current State: Widespread Restrictions and Barriers

Today, over 21 million women of reproductive age live in states where abortion is banned, with nearly one in five forced to travel hundreds of miles for care. Although patient needs have grown since the Supreme Court’s ruling, donations have significantly declined. The National Abortion Federation’s National Abortion Hotline, which provides financial and travel assistance to patients, is at risk of running out of funds by the end of the year due to a 50% reduction in monthly patient assistance spending.

The Importance of Patient Assistance Funds

Patient assistance funds, like the National Abortion Hotline, serve as life vests for those struggling to access abortion care amidst restrictive laws. In 2023 alone, the Hotline supported over 106,000 patients with financial assistance and nearly 1,800 with travel assistance. Many of these patients would not have accessed care without this vital support.

Relying on Generous Donations

The National Abortion Federation, as a member organization, relies heavily on individual and foundation donations to fund its programs and operations. Although member clinics often provide discounts or contribute funds from their patient assistance programs, they too rely on this ecosystem of funding. However, donations to the Hotline decreased by nearly 40% in 2023.

Corporations’ Unique Role in Filling the Gap

Corporate support is crucial in addressing the current crisis. Not only is it a responsibility to uphold their initial commitments but also a matter of social and economic importance. Abortion restrictions and barriers to care threaten families’ economic stability and independence, hindering their ability to participate in the workforce. Corporations can make significant investments by:

• Committing long-term pledges to patient assistance funds
• Focusing corporate charitable giving programs on funding abortion care
• Encouraging employees to give through matching programs
• Donating resources, such as transportation, accommodations, and meals, to groups that provide travel and wraparound support

What’s at Stake: Estimated Economic Costs of Abortion Restrictions

Abortion restrictions are projected to cost state economies an annual average of $173 billion by reducing labor force participation and earnings levels, while increasing turnover and time off from work among women aged 15 to 44. The real costs of these restrictions are likely much higher now, given the increased denial of access in 21 states.

Conclusion

Corporations that care about community well-being and economic stability must do more than just offer insurance coverage and travel benefits. We need innovative partnerships and significant investments to address the current abortion access crisis, ensure people can live healthy lives, and fulfill our economic promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of patient assistance funds?

Patient assistance funds, like the National Abortion Hotline, provide critical support to those struggling to access abortion care amidst restrictive laws. They serve as lifelines for patients who would otherwise go without essential care.

Q: Can corporations really make a difference?

Absolutely. Corporations have a unique opportunity to fill the gap in abortion funding, not only in support of bodily autonomy but also because it’s good for business. By doing so, they can improve the economic stability and independence of families, ultimately boosting their own workforce and communities.

Q: What is the estimated economic impact of abortion restrictions?

Abortion restrictions are projected to cost state economies an average of $173 billion annually by reducing labor force participation and earnings levels, while increasing turnover and time off from work among women aged 15 to 44.

Q: Are there other ways corporations can support access to abortion care?

Yes! Corporations can donate resources such as transportation, accommodations, and meals to groups that provide travel and wraparound support; incentivize employees to give through matching programs; and make long-term pledges to patient assistance funds.

Author: fortune.com

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