Within just a few weeks, the Trump administration unleashed federal-level attacks on abortion patients, providers, and reproductive health care access at large. These federal attacks have, in turn, emboldened state legislators to further chip away at abortion access.
The ABC Fund was designed for this moment of vulnerability and uncertainty. Our model—which moves money rapidly, and allows movement leaders to direct the flow of money—ensures that our grantmaking is risk-tolerant, consistently current, and adaptive to changing policies. Our work will not just continue, it will grow.
To help make sense of the headlines, here’s how ABC Fund grantees are responding:
“Arrest warrant issued for New York doctor indicted in Louisiana for prescribing abortion pill”
Background: This case is a politically-motivated attack on New York provider Dr. Maggie Carpenter, who was indicted by a Louisiana grand jury for prescribing medication abortion to a teenager in Louisiana—despite practicing under the legal guidelines of the New York shield law. (Gov. Hochul has said repeatedly that New York’s shield law will stand and that she will not extradite Dr. Carpenter, providing an example for other blue-state governors trying to protect people and care providers through shield laws and other measures.
ABC Fund’s Role: Funding bold and innovative work is a key strategy for ABC Fund, and this includes efforts that expand, protect, and utilize shield laws. We are in solidarity with Dr. Carpenter, her fellow shield law providers, and our grantees in this space, and we extend our gratitude to them for their incredible commitment to abortion access and reproductive rights.
“People are flocking out-of-state for abortion care. Clinics are fighting to keep up”
Background: While most abortion seekers in banned states are treated via shield law telehealth provision, many still need in-clinic care. Thus, many clinics in states that still allow abortion have had to increase hours, staffing, and practical support for patients traveling across state lines. Likewise, abortion funds that help cover costs of seeking treatment have seen a tremendous increase as they need to not only cover the cost of an appointment, but also airplane fares, bus tickets, hotel rooms, and other expenses.
ABC Fund’s Role: The ABC Fund has always prioritized ensuring abortion clinics have the resources they need to care for their patients, and that patients have the sources they need to access care. In our grantmaking, our first question is always: will this help more people directly access the abortions they need? We’re committed to making sure patients can get to clinics, and that clinics can keep up.
“Trump administration drops lawsuit seeking to ensure abortion access in emergency rooms”
Background: In 2020, Idaho legislators passed a trigger law saying that abortion was not allowed, even in cases of medical emergency. In 2024, the Biden administration sued the state of Idaho, saying this was a violation of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, otherwise known as EMTALA, which became federal law in 1986. The Supreme Court blocked enforcement of the Idaho law during the lawsuit, effectively allowing emergency abortions in Idaho (and other states with severe bans) to continue. The Trump administration dropped the lawsuit, effectively signaling that the federal government will no longer protect access to life-saving abortion care under EMTALA.
ABC Fund’s Role: While this move leaves an enormous gap in our health care infrastructure, we know we need to ensure that abortion seekers, regardless of where they live, can continue to obtain safe, medically accurate, and proximate care. ABC Fund proudly supports grantees who are building alternative systems and resources on which people experiencing miscarriage or seeking abortion can rely—whether they need medication abortion, emergency care, medical information, miscarriage, or post-abortion support. With so much at stake, ABC Fund is committed to remaining vigilant, informed, and steady as we continue our work of supporting frontline organizations.
We know that organizations will continue to need a committed and forward-thinking partner like the ABC Fund to support experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation. Learn more about the how to support our work at the ABC Fund.
