Reproaction recently joined forces with the Abortion On Our Own Terms campaign to celebrate their week of action for self-managed abortion. Self-managed abortion refers to any abortion that happens outside of the formal health care system, and Reproaction works in particular to share information and resources advancing access to safe, effective, self-managed abortion with pills.

One of the most common methods for self-managing an abortion involves using FDA-approved abortion medication, which as of 2020, accounted for over half of all abortions in the United States. [1] Medication abortions can be achieved using either a single medication, misoprostol, or a combination of two medications, misoprostol and mifepristone.

During the Abortion On Our Own Terms week of action focused on self-managed abortion, Reproaction along with our volunteers placed over 200 posters in the Foggy Bottom and National Mall neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. These posters provided information about abortion pills and access to additional resources from Abortion on Our Own Terms. We selected locations for wheat-pasting in areas commonly visited by students and tourists – groups who may seek abortion care outside of Washington D.C. for various reasons. It’s important that everyone has the freedom to choose the type of care that suits them best, regardless of the method they opt for.

Despite Washington, D.C. being recognized as an abortion ‘safe haven’, we acknowledge that there are still obstacles to accessing abortion care here, especially with increased wait times and a shortage of abortion providers in a post-Roe world. [2] This underscores the importance of ensuring that people have access to whichever method of abortion best suits their needs, constraints, lifestyle, and desires.

Reproaction is dedicated to disseminating vital information about self-managed abortion nationwide, highlighting the safe and effective use of abortion pills for self-managed abortions. With increasing abortion bans making both in-clinic and out-of-clinic care less accessible, it becomes crucial to promote resources like Abortion on Our Own Terms, which provide guidance on understanding the legal and practical implications of obtaining and using abortion pills in one’s state.

For those looking to explore self-managed abortion with pills or seek legal advice, you can access more information through the Repro Legal Helpline here.

You can help us continue to continue to advocate for self-managed abortion by participating in upcoming events, joining our email list, and following us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. As always, your donations help us fight for access to abortion, so give what you can if you can!

Sources

1. https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2022/02/medication-abortion-now-accounts-more-half-all-us-abortions
2. https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/04/18/human-rights-crisis-abortion-united-states-after-dobbs