Happy 49th Anniversary to Roe v. Wade: A Reflection and a Call to Action

If you’re like us at Oyrafem, this year’s anniversary of Roe v. Wade feels bittersweet. Traditionally, this day has been a celebration of bodily freedom and autonomy in the United States. But this year, our hearts are heavy for the people of Texas, who are facing extreme threats to their reproductive rights, and our thoughts are with people in states like Mississippi, where access to abortion care hangs by a thread.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with our allies, with women, and with all people capable of becoming pregnant who deserve the right to safe, legal, and accessible abortion care.

The Uncertain Future of Abortion Rights

For nearly 50 years, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a constitutional right to abortion care. However, today that protection is under its greatest threat since Roe was decided. With the highest number of legislative attacks on abortion in history and critical Supreme Court decisions pending, the legal right to choose is in jeopardy.

We know what’s at stake: People will always need access to reproductive healthcare, no matter the decisions of courts or legislatures.

Legal Right Does Not Equal Access

Even with Roe v. Wade still technically standing, access to abortion is far from equitable. Across the South, Midwest, and beyond, people have faced mounting legal and systemic barriers. Since September 1, 2021, Texas has banned abortions after six weeks—before many even know they are pregnant. This devastating law not only impacts Texans but also strains resources in neighboring states and emboldens copycat legislation nationwide.

More than 20 other states have “trigger bans” ready to immediately restrict abortion if Roe is overturned. The fallout will not be equally felt: low-income communities, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA2S+ people, those living with disabilities, rural residents, and others already facing systemic oppression will bear the brunt of these additional barriers.

The obstacles are enormous: travel logistics, navigating complex healthcare systems, limited clinic options, rising costs, and restrictive state laws all combine to push care out of reach for many.

Oyrafem’s Commitment to Expanding Access

At Oyrafem, we believe that all people deserve access to high-quality, compassionate abortion care. We are determined to continue offering that care for those who want it—no matter where they live.

In addition to providing in-person reproductive health services in the DC, Atlanta, Chicago, and Nashville metro areas, Oyrafem offers medically-supported, at-home abortion pills across 12 states.

After a discreet, secure video consultation with a trusted provider, Oyrafem clients can have abortion medications delivered quickly and confidentially—sometimes as soon as the next day. Clients also have peace of mind knowing that 24/7 medical support is available whenever they need it.

Telehealth Abortion Care: Safe, Effective, and Here to Stay

With the FDA’s recent decision to permanently allow abortion medications to be dispensed by mail, telehealth abortion care has become an essential part of ensuring reproductive freedom across the U.S. Oyrafem has seen firsthand how at-home abortion care offers privacy, comfort, and convenience for people facing unnecessary barriers to clinic-based care.

And we’re just getting started.

Building the Future of Abortion Care

At Oyrafem, we are investing in:

• Expanding our telehealth services to every state where the law allows.
• Streamlining video visits with compassionate medical providers for people traveling from restrictive states.
• Participating in research studies to further demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of telehealth abortion care.
• Enhancing technology to create a more comforting, informed experience for people managing their abortion at home.

We believe the future of abortion care must be inclusive, accessible, client-centered, and rooted in dignity and autonomy.

We envision a world where everyone can access the care they need—where, when, and how they need it.

If you want to learn more about how Oyrafem is standing strong in the face of adversity and building a more just future for abortion access, visit oyrafem.com.