Holding Space and Resources for the Road Ahead
Dear Ones,
We understand the multitude of complicated feelings you may have at the moment.
We feel so grateful that we got the news in the hours before our clinical team meeting so that we could touch base with some of the hearts we respect the most and hold dearest to us, as well as check-in about all of the hearts we're holding space for. Communally, we were able to voice our grief, confusion, exhaustion, and rage. We had the great privilege of being soothed by accurate, although heartbreaking, tear-filled reflection – something we as healers understand as one of our most powerful healing tools/offerings. It's also something we have a devastating understanding that is not as available to all, as it is to us, through our Gather & Grow Community.
These are challenging times, but if last week's Supreme Court decision was a reminder of anything – it is that it is not us, but our systems that are broken. Broken systems will not take care of us, they will not help us heal, we need to take care of our community and ourselves.
We chose to support organizations in states that had immediate trigger laws through:
Kentucky Health Justice Network (Also, offers gender-affirming care)
The Justice Empowerment Network (South Dakota)
The following sites may also be helpful during these perilous times:
ShareAbortionPill.Info: This site is full of information about abortion pills, where to get information about them, where to get legal help, and other FAQs.
INeedanA.com: This easy-to-navigate site will point people to abortion options in their state. If people live in a state where abortion is inaccessible, the site will point them to other options. It is reliable and regularly updated.
AidAccess.org: Connects people with physicians who prescribe abortion pills, even before someone is pregnant. Pill mailing times vary from state to state. Pills are medically safe and effective for most people, but legal risks may apply depending on who you are and where you live.
AbortionFunds.org: The National Network of Abortion Funds helps people get abortions in a variety of ways. Go here if you need help acquiring an abortion.
KeepOurClinics.org: Many clinics in receiving states will be overwhelmed with people needing abortions as we see access continue to fall. This is a great place to support the independent abortion clinics that will be unfairly overloaded in the months and years to come.
MAHotline.org: The Miscarriage and Abortion hotline is a confidential text and phone line staffed by physicians who can securely counsel people through self-managed miscarriages and abortions. Help is available in English and Spanish. Text or call 1-833-246-2632, 8am - 11pm in the continental US.
The Pink Book: A directory of women and LGBT safe healthcare practitioners in the United States.
All-Options Counseling: If you want to talk to trained advocates that provide unconditional, judgment-free support for people in all of their decisions, feelings, and experiences with pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption.
Please, continue to take good care of your hearts and spirits. Know that there is support here if needed.
With heavy hearts,
Jacqueline, Traci, & Team GGOC
