Abortion Funds +
Practical Support Organizations

We talked a lot about abortion funds and practical support organizations (PSOs), but why are they so important to abortion access?

As abortion becomes more and more restricted, people have to travel farther for care. It’s expensive to travel — especially last minute — and often pushes people further into their pregnancies, which only increases the cost of the procedure. This is where abortion funds and PSOs step in.

Abortion funds directly support people seeking abortions, covering the cost of procedures. PSOs help arrange transportation, lodging, and childcare, and offer hands-on support, whether it’s driving someone to an appointment, navigating travel logistics, providing emotional support, or ensuring a safe place to stay. Often, these organizations assist abortion seekers with both funding and logistics. Some have paid staff, but many are solely volunteer-based.

What makes these groups so effective is their deep community roots. They know what their communities need, what obstacles exist, and how best to support them. With local expertise, they navigate the best routes, find affordable hotels, and build strong relationships with clinics to cover funding gaps. This hyper-local knowledge is irreplaceable, particularly in areas where abortion is banned.

And they are scrappy! They’ve had to be as states banned abortions and clinics closed. But they always manage to pivot by expanding services and even filing lawsuits against anti-abortion politicians. Funds work together across the country to ensure that abortion seekers travel safely. 

After the Dobbs decision, abortion funds across the country saw a surge of donations from people outraged by the loss of a constitutional right. However, many of these donations were one-time gifts, and as the issue faded from the headlines, so did the influx of money, even as the demand for abortion continued to rise. 

‍Today, about half of the people who have abortions live below the federal poverty line. Those in the 21 states that have banned or severely restricted abortion are now facing higher costs because of airfare and hotels. Abortion funds and PSOs are struggling to meet the demand. Large donations and grants go to orgs like Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation, but these funds only cover about 30% of procedures to those who qualify, leaving abortion funds to shoulder the rest — often without enough resources, forcing some to close temporarily.

The work of abortion funds and PSOs is more critical than ever. By supporting these organizations, you’re directly contributing to keeping abortion accessible for those who need it most. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your involvement makes a huge difference.

I Need An A maintains a list of open volunteer opportunities from abortion funds and PSO’s across the country. Click here to see what opportunities are available in your area.