Becoming a practical-support volunteer isn't the only means of offering help to those seeking abortion care. Beyond providing clients with direct emotional support and physical resources, Gray adds that volunteers, and all people looking to lend assistance, should contact their state legislators to advocate for comprehensive reproductive rights across the country.
"Reproductive justice is not just about getting an abortion," Gray says. "It's about how our communities are providing resources; [it's about] voting; putting legislation together that makes sense, that protects people, that supports people."
"The best thing people can do is talk about it and actually say the word 'abortion.'"
Another way you can help, Dismer adds, is simply by saying the word "abortion" instead of using euphemisms to discuss reproductive health. "The best thing people can do is talk about it and actually say the word 'abortion,'" they say. "Bring it up and have real conversations about it with folks."
Making sure you, your family, and your friends are registered to vote is also key, Gray adds, explaining that crucial reproductive-rights initiatives will be up for debate in the upcoming midterm elections. Voting, donating, and volunteering combined are what will initiate long-lasting, effective change. "While voting is important, this is going to be a community effort," she says. "Our callers are going to increase — they have been increasing — and we just need our community members across the state to join us, as opposed to doing things in a myopic way."
