How To Get An Abortion
Welcome to This Black-Ass Life! This week, we’re still processing what it means to live in a country that does not have the state support or infrastructure to raise a child safely, not have birth control if you don’t feel comfortable raising a child and not have access to abortion if you become pregnant. It’s a mess, but we want to share the actions you can take in support of yourself and others. We all we got.
We are also holding Black people dear today, especially Black people in Buffalo. We know we can’t meditate or self-care our way outside of violent racism, but we do want to share these mental health resources specific for Black people.
I. The Facts
According to Politico, the Supreme Court will vote to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. We have many thoughts: safe, secure abortion was never a reality for Americans, running for office and voting is a bullshit response to what we are facing and the time to be civil has been over. We know we cannot afford to wait for solutions within the rules of a game that was not meant to benefit those of us outside the ruling class. Debating things like “packing the court” without questioning why nine people can make such a consequential decision for millions is a waste of time. Whether they pack the court, abolish the court or anything else, it is clear it is up to communities to come together to fill the gaps in health care access. So here we are:
It is not 1979; we have Plan C, two pills—mifepristone and misoprostol (here is a comprehensive overview of the two drugs)—that will induce a miscarriage when used in the first trimester of pregnancy, most likely later, though not conclusive. However, the vast majorities of abortions in America happen in the first trimester. In 2019, 629,898 abortions induced abortions were reported to the CDC, and an overwhelming majority of those (92.7%) were performed at ≤13 weeks’ gestation.
You can get abortion pills delivered to you in any U.S. state. Home medication abortion care is abundantly safe, and you don’t need to go to a clinic to get it.
Get abortion pills here: AbortionRX, WomenHelp, AidAcess, AbortionOnDemand, safe2choose and Plan C. The pills typically cost less than $120. While you can get these pills even if you are not pregnant, please don’t hoard abortion pills! Also, know that you may have to go through funky payment options if you are ordering online (i.e., Paypal, Venmo, sending a screenshot of your receipt, etc.).
Learn how to self-manage abortion at home here, here and here. If you need medical support after taking the pills, head to the hospital and tell them you are having a miscarriage. There is no way for medical professionals to know the difference.
If you are going through a miscarriage, need support regarding an abortion or are just unsure about how you feel regarding your pregnancy, talk to people and find support here, here and here.
If you’ve had an abortion and want to share your story, however, you felt about it (joyous, relaxed, sad, empowered, disappointed, nonchalant) or want to learn other people’s abortion stories, check out stories from around the world here.
Home medication abortion care is legal in the U.S., but we know conservatives stay on some fuckshit, so if you run into legal trouble, call Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812
Why does it matter?
Abortion access is a Black-ass right, and the movement to restrict abortion and midwifery is, of course, rooted in racism and slavery.
In states across the country, legislators are moving to restrict or even ban certain birth control and emergency contraception.
It’s going to get worse before it gets better. Based on Alito’s draft opinion, there is concern overturning Roe means overturning Loving v. Virginia (interracial marriage), Lawrence v. Texas (decriminalizing “homosexual sex”) and Obergefesll v. Hodges (establishing same-gender marriage as a constitutional right).
What can my Black ass do?
Some people who need abortion care may not have access to the internet or $120 or may need abortion care past the first trimester. Here are ways we can support them:
Donate to an abortion fund right now if you can. Like, right now. I (Jumoke) can vouch for West Fund, an organization founded by a friend, to support abortion access in West Texas. I’m also partial to Yellowhammer Fund, an abortion fund and reproductive justice organization serving Alabama, Mississippi and the Deep South.
Become an abortion doula. Here is an upcoming training in D.C. this summer. Also, if you are in D.C., call your council member to vocalize support for the District to become a ‘human rights sanctuary’ for abortion seekers.
Support those in need by joining the Auntie Network, a subreddit providing information and resources to those in need of abortion services.
Learn more about the postal service and its importance for abortion by mail.
We cried. We went outside. We ate carbs. We’ve watched A LOT of romcoms. I (Mitu) lifted big things at the gym and walked my dog. I (Jumoke) chose to lay down. We are doing whatever centers us, and we encourage you to do the same.
II. Other Things
Black-ass happenings
Thievin’ Ivory Wayans is getting caught up again.
Michael Eric Dyson is invited to Jay-Z’s scammer social justice con, and did you know Dyson has harassment claims from students dating back to the 2000s?
Which one of y’all is going to DM Method Man for us?
Speaking of the fine uncles, please join us in the world of Morris Chestnut’s TikTok. THIS SMILE!
Grand Crew is getting a second season. Yay!
Jamal Bryant is beefing with the ghost of Kevin Samuels.
Carlos King is doing work!
Our Black-Ass song(s) of the week (Mitu):
To keep with the theme: Here is Plan B, a song I’ve performed in the shower every day since it’s come out. Thank you, Meg.
Things we look forward to / don't look forward to:
I (Jumoke) look forward to seeing my mama and daddy in a few weeks.
I (Mitu) look forward to better weather and time outside frolicking.
lll. Text from a Black-Ass Parent
Being anemic can affect you in every lifetime, even as a fish!
Stay Black, have a snack and take a nap today. We'll hit your inbox next on May 30.