Hello friends.
Welcome to SYA’s Get Mobilized list. We are working on connecting people all over the USA to build and strengthen communities, arm ourselves with information, and develop cultural responses that further our shared goal of expanding access and normalizing abortion.
We’re all waiting for the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Decision dates are unpredictable and SCOTUS is anything but transparent, but we do know that decisions are announced once or twice a week, and that the decision will very likely be handed down sometime this month. (To learn about these results as they come down on decision days, follow the ScotusBlog on Twitter.)
Exciting news: SYA is in the process of launching a nationwide organizing program, and this mailing list is one of many seedlings. We’re in it for the long haul, and we’re balancing the importance of harnessing momentum with building solid, sustainable systems.This program will be a hub for resources that we ultimately hope will expand collective knowledge, and empower people to understand and support abortion access in their own communities.As we lead up to the decision, we’d like to share some info with you that you can use today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Abortion Pill 101
First up, we’d like to share some vital information about abortion pills, which will be a crucial part of the post-Roe landscape. Misinformation and misunderstanding around abortion pills is rampant, and one vital thing you can do this week is to make sure you’re up to speed and ready to become an ambassador for this information—doing so is an absolutely evergreen part of abortion activism. Please read through the entirety of this email, bookmark the links below, and share this information widely in your circles in ways that are safe and make sense for you.
What are abortion pills? Abortion pills consist of two medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Often, abortions are managed using Misoprostol only, as Mifepristone is heavily regulated and more difficult to find in many places. Whether a person is using both medications or Misoprostol-only, abortion pills are safe and effective. In the US, abortion pills are generally prescribed up to 10 weeks in pregnancy. Pills can be used beyond that, but it’s a different process with different concerns and at this point we don’t feel equipped to speak to using pills past 10 weeks. If you’d like to learn more about using pills later in pregnancy, check out Women on Web’s FAQ for some general info. Learn more about abortion pills and how they work in this FAQ from our friends at Aid Access!
Are there weight restrictions for abortion pills?No. This is a common misconception stemming from confusing abortion pills with emergency contraceptives, which are completely different. Emergency contraceptives (like Plan B or Ella) work to prevent pregnancy, while abortion pills work to stop a pregnancy from continuing. The dosage of abortion pills does not depend on weight. There is a lot of confusion about this because unfortunately, this IS the case with emergency contraception. What you need to know there is that Ella is the most effective brand of emergency contraception for people over 165lbs, and that emergency contraception in general may not work as well for people over 195lbs (this is ridiculous and we are mad about it).
Where can one safely get information about pills? SYA recommends Plan C as a wonderful state-by-state guide with links for pill information. Mailing time and potential legal risks vary depending on location and identity. We recommend checking out If When How and Digital Defense Fund to learn more about potential legal risk and how to mitigate it.
What if I need medical help after I have my pills? The Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline is a hotline run by volunteer doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives who are available to answer your medical questions during your at-home abortion process. You can call or text them at 833-246-2632 and their website is mahotline.org. It is recommended to contact the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline before going to an ER if you are considering it!I heard you can get abortion pills before you’re pregnant. Is this true? Yes! Aid Access, an Austrian-based organization who sends pills into the US, offers advance provision. This means you can order pills *before* you are pregnant and have them on hand when you need them. They have about a 2-year shelf life. Go through the consultation process at Aid Access to learn more about advance provision and order pills.
I can’t afford abortion pills. Is financial aid available?Yes! Many organizations offer pills on a sliding scale, including up to $0 for those in need. Aid Access will absolutely work with people who need financial help. Just be up front about what you can and can’t afford! If you are financially able, you can also support the work of Aid Access and many other organizations working to send abortion pills. The legality of Aid Access sending pills into red states will likely be a matter of much debate (and founder Rebecca Gomperts remains committed to doing it regardless) but there are also US-based telehealth organizations like Just the Pill and Choix who practice in blue states, where abortion will remain legal. To learn more about the options in your area, visit PlanCPills.org and click on your state.
Are abortion pills the answer to abortion access in the US? Unfortunately, no. Pills won’t work for all people and situations. Some people have medical contraindications, others will be too far along for this to be a good option, and for some people, it will be legally risky to obtain pills in the mail. Marginalized people are more at risk of criminalization. So while abortion pills aren’t a magic solution, they will help countless people get the care they need and they are an absolutely vital part of the abortion landscape. Learning and sharing information about pills is a fundamental part of contributing to access in post Roe America.
Abortion access is a community responsibility and we are all in this together. Please stay as safe as possible and look out for each other.
Thank you!
Shout Your Abortion
PS – Please take a minute to check out our recently revamped website! We’ve added tons of beautiful, multi-use downloadable materials, easily accessible abortion info, and more.
