Events

Prior to Dobbs, about half of abortions in the U.S. were medication abortions. Now it’s about two thirds. Ultimately, the number of abortions in the U.S. increased due to the heroic efforts of patient navigators, abortion funds, the people helping people travel, and the clinics that stepped up to the plate – some staying open until midnight to accommodate the influx.” Dr. Paul explained medication abortion is a safe and effective way to end pregnancy. At the MAP, people are asked to pay on a sliding scale starting at a minimum of $5, which can be waived upon request, although the cost of sending the pills is $150. The conversation continued with information about efforts that begin in 2020 to codify abortion protections in Massachusetts prior to the Dobbs decision. “A legal right is not the same as an accessible one,” said Clair Teylouni, Policy Director, Reproductive Equity Now (REN). “Legislative efforts focused on how to improve access, protect providers, and gender affirming care. In 2022, REN worked closely with a receptive legislature to pass a powerful shield law that says the federal government or other states cannot reach in and impact what the state has deemed legally protected. Nyssa Duarte, RN, clinic nurse and wellness program coordinator, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and founder of Noepe Wellness, shared the importance of accessing aspiration abortions (suction abortion which is easily done during the first trimester) on the island. “Communal care is essential to Wompanoag people and having to go off island to get aspiration abortions adds hardship to everyone, but especially the Wampanoag tribal community,” noted Ms. Duarte. “We’re working on expanding access through our clinic to medication abortion.”