As we learned earlier this month, the Supreme Court is poised to fully overturn Roe v. Wade in a few short weeks. While the pending ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case is likely to make abortion illegal in at least 26 states, we know that even with Roe as the law of the land, abortion access in this country has long been out of reach for millions of people. In particular, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrant communities, rural communities, queer communities, and those working to make ends meet have been disproportionately harmed by restrictions on abortion care. For many, a “post-Roe” world is already a reality.

As we plan for a future where abortion will become increasingly inaccessible for huge parts of the country, the Reproductive Health Access Project remains firmly committed to protecting and expanding access to abortion care. Our work centers individuals and communities seeking sexual and reproductive health care – including abortion care – no matter where they live or how they access care. We aim to be responsive to the primary care clinicians we work with across the country, providing them with tools, resources, training, and advocacy so that they can support the sexual and reproductive health needs of their communities, no matter where they are located.

As we move into even more uncertain times, RHAP is re-affirming and strengthening our abortion access work through our Beyond Roe strategy that will:

Expand access to abortion care in states where abortion rights are strong and secure.
We will continue training primary care clinicians, including advanced practice clinicians, to provide abortion care. We will support primary care organizations to integrate abortion care, pursue creative initiatives that enhance access, such as telehealth, and engage in advocacy efforts that protect and expand access to abortion care.

Support self-managed abortion care
Self-managed abortion (SMA) with pills – mifepristone and misoprostol, or misoprostol alone – is extremely safe and effective. In fact, both methods are no less effective than medication abortion in clinical settings.

RHAP will continue to develop tools and resources that provide evidence-based, stigma-free information to support those self-managing their abortion. We will train and support primary care clinicians to provide person-centered, evidence-based SMA information and post abortion care. Our advocacy work will center decriminalizing SMA, following the lead of grassroots and reproductive justice organizations long working on decriminalization.

Support individuals seeking abortion care
We will develop tools, resources, training programs, and partnerships that support primary care clinicians offering their patients the full range of pregnancy options, no matter where they provide care. In many states, this will entail supporting clinicians with the resources, information, and networks to connect patients to abortion funds, out-of-state clinics and health centers, and other resources if the care needed is not available locally.

Over the next few weeks we will share information, tools and resources, and learning opportunities so that you can better understand, support, and share our Beyond Roe abortion access strategy.

We are grateful for your support and your solidarity as we work to make sexual and reproductive health care accessible to everyone, everywhere.