Medical Abortion Is Still Legal—For Now

This content was created by HowToUseAbortionPill and safe2choose.

When we think about abortion, what’s the first thing that pops into our mind? Is it women’s rights? Bodily autonomy? Roe v. Wade? Over the past few years, abortion has been covered in the media as a controversial topic, when in reality, it’s a matter of making an essential healthcare service available to anyone who needs it.

In all honesty, advocating for abortion rights can be pretty intimidating. Many of us may identify as pro-choice but we still have trouble discussing the topic, especially in today’s climate. However, advocating for abortion, especially for better access to medical abortion is imperative so that everyone can have a safe abortion if they choose.

What is medical abortion?

Let’s start with the basics! According to the World Health Organization, medical abortion is the use of pharmacological drugs to terminate pregnancy. Mifepristone and Misoprostol in combination or Misoprostol alone are the medications generally used to induce abortion and to manage an incomplete abortion.

Medical abortion plays a crucial role in providing access to safe, effective and acceptable abortion care. It can also be self-managed, meaning that if someone is following recommended medical abortion protocols, with the right dosage, they can safely have an abortion at home.

An abortion with pills is very effective, 98 women in 100 will have a complete abortion if Mifepristone and Misoprostol are used. About 95 women in 100 will have a complete abortion if only Misoprostol is used. Depending on where you live, you can access different abortion pill brands.

Why access to medical abortion is important

There are many reasons why someone may choose to have an abortion. It could be for medical reasons, their contraception failed, they aren’t ready to have children or they may never want to have children, and in some cases, they don’t want to continue a pregnancy that resulted from sexual assault.

All reasons are valid, and quite frankly, the most important decision is the one being made by the pregnant person. It’s also important to note that abortions are normal, anyone may have an abortion, and people around the world have shared their abortion stories. Even celebrities like Phoebe Bridgers, Uma Thurman, Jameela Jamil and Stevie Nicks have openly spoken about their abortions. They’ve also spoken about the importance of bodily autonomy and why it’s necessary for anyone to access safe abortion services. In a world post the overturn of Roe v. Wade, we’re seeing an increase in abortion restrictions, which has made it difficult or nearly impossible for abortion seekers to access adequate abortion services in a timely manner.

In reality, abortion bans won’t stop abortions, but they may increase the amount of unsafe abortions that happen, which can put the life of the pregnant person at risk. In many cases, these abortion bans highly target abortion seekers from the LGBTQIA+ community, Black women, Latina women, immigrants, and those from the disability community.

Allowing abortion seekers the opportunity to safely manage their abortions will not only prioritize their well-being, it will also help them regain bodily autonomy, give them agency over their choices and empower them.

Tips and strategies for advocating for improved access to medical abortion services

Now that we’ve covered why access to medical abortions is necessary, we can talk about ways to advocate for improved access to abortion services. In an ideal world, we shouldn’t have to continue to fight for abortion rights and women’s rights, but it’s a job that needs to be done. So, here are some tips and strategies for advocating.

Local level

Speak up and advocate for local abortion access: Have conversations with friends, family, colleagues and community leaders, and share data on why safe abortions save lives. Showcase the importance of making quality abortion care available to your community.
Reach out to your local abortion network: Find out ways you can help them, either by volunteering at the clinic, sharing their resources or directing abortion seekers to their services.
Donate: Your donation can make a significant change, especially for independent abortion clinics.
Create safe abortion spaces: Creating a community for abortion seekers and abortion providers to share their stories will help destigmatize abortions, share their experience and create a safe space for future abortion advocates.
Reach out to local officials: Find out what your local officials' stance is on the topic of abortion. You can gather signatures and ideas on how to make abortions more accessible in the area or how to maintain access to medical abortion.

National level

Research abortion laws: Check out how abortion laws vary between states and which areas need stronger abortion advocacy and support.
Petition safe abortion access to Congress: Coordinate with different abortion advocates and providers to petition for safe abortion access and protect the right to quality abortion services.
Power to the protesters: Attend meetings and rallies that advocate for abortion access. Reach out to the organizers to find out ways you can support the cause.
Vote, vote, vote: Every vote matters. Make sure that your candidates support abortion rights and care about providing sexual and reproductive services.

Global level

Connect with abortion providers around the world: Share your experience and find out ways that abortion advocates around the world have continued to advocate for safe abortions. Research ways to apply their strategies to your local network.

Share abortion news: Abortion access has gone through many changes on a global scale. Sharing the news of what’s happening in different parts of the world keeps us updated and helps highlight the importance of abortion access.
Combat misinformation: Share the facts on abortion and why it’s a necessary healthcare service for people everywhere—not just in North America.
Social media is a powerful tool: No matter what your follower size is, your voice matters and can make a difference. Utilize social media to share safe abortion resources and information.

Knowledge is power: abortion resources

Luckily, there are many digital tools and telemedicine options that can provide information, guidance and support for those seeking abortion care. In a world full of information, it’s really easy to come across misinformation, so it’s important that you seek information from organizations that follow guidelines from the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, FIGO, amongst others.

There are also organizations such as HowToUseAbortionPill and safe2choose that share free, digital resources for safe abortions such as:

HowToUseAbortionPill can connect you with Ally, a safe abortion chatbot, that is available 24/7 to share information and resources on how to have a safe medical abortion. Ally is available via Instagram DM, Facebook DM, WhatsApp by texting +1 (833) 221-2559, and howtouseabortionpill.org.
You can also access free eLearning courses on medical abortion (including a certification!), self-managed abortion and medication abortion in humanitarian aid settings.
The safe2choose abortion counselors are just a click of a button away and can provide you with real-time abortion support and guide you through your abortion experience. This free digital service is available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili and Hindi. Get started by visiting safe2choose.org or emailing the counselors at info@safe2choose.org.
safe2choose also has a free abortion counseling toolkit for abortion providers who are looking to build and strengthen skills in providing online abortion care.

Advocating makes a difference

Advocating for abortion access may seem like a daunting task, but the good news is that you’re not alone! There are many abortion advocates, providers and activists that are putting in the work so that everyone can access their reproductive rights.

Sometimes it’s challenging, and it’s not always easy, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing all your hard work make a change and open up a path towards a future where no one has to worry about being able to access safe abortion services. We see you, we see the work that you’re putting in and we’re proud of you.

If you need more information and resources to share about safe abortions, check out HowToUseAbortionPill and safe2choose. We are by your side, every day, every year.