7 Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself or Support Others In the Wake of Roe v. Wade Decision
The United States Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 ruling that gave people the right to an abortion before fetal viability.
Individual states can decide whether or not to allow people to access medication for abortion or surgical abortions within their borders.
At the time of this writing, at least 9 states have enacted complete bans on abortion. At least 16 states and U.S. territories are expected to substantially limit abortion access or enact a complete ban on abortion in the coming weeks.
If you’re a person who can become pregnant, know that whatever you might be feeling right now is valid. You aren’t alone, and you do have options, regardless of where you live.
If you are a person who can have a sexual relationship with another person, you are also affected by this legislation. It is important that you show up in this fight and help carry the weight of reality.
You can take steps to help protect yourself and your partners from the risks of having a baby.
The overturn of the abortion law of Wade is a huge loss for reproductive rights, but many people have lost their legal right to do so before.
People with disabilities, people with bisexual orquek identities, and other marginalized communities have been affected by policies that limit their reproductive rights.
If you want to have sex with a person who can become pregnant, this is important.
There is an additional burden placed on those who can become pregnant, both physical and hormonal birth control, because of the responsibility that all parties have for using and advocating for safer sex practices.
Not to mention,
Our advice? Talk about safer sex practices with your partner. Before you go to bed, make sure you bring a couple of condoms with you. Tell your partner that you want to use a condom.
If you have time to pick up condoms in advance, check out online retailers P.S. Condoms and Jems.
You can find popular brands like Trojan, LifeStyles, and SKYN at most pharmacies and drugstores.
There are different types of sex and sensation that can be experienced with a condom.
Whether a condom rips, gets stuck, or is simply forgotten, emergency contraception (EC) can be the difference between preventing a pregnancy and determining whether to give birth.
The copper IUD and oral medication are the only types of EC that are available online and over the counter.
Plan B
If taken within 72 hours (3 days) after sex, Plan B and other levonorgestrel EC pills can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75% to 89%, according to Planned Parenthood.
You can take levonorgestrel EC pills for up to 120 hours after sex, but their efficacy decreases over time.
If you weigh 155 pounds or more or have a BMI of 30 or higher, Plan B and other levonorgestrel EC pills may be more effective if you double the dose.
Plan B has a shelf life of 4 years when stored as directed.
ella
A ulipristal acetate pill branded as ella can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 85% if taken within 120 hours (5 days) after sex, according to Planned Parenthood
Plan B and other levonorgestrel EC pills are more effective for people with a high body mass index, but a single dose of ella may be more effective.
If you weigh more than 195 pounds, ella may be more effective.
ella is only available by prescription. You can get a prescription for ella from your local health department, nearest Planned Parenthood or a primary care doctor.
Ella has a shelf life of 3 years when stored as directed.
Drugstore costs v. telemedicine costs
EC pills can be expensive. Plan B is usually around $50.
Generic versions of Plan B are less expensive, but are not always available at local drugstores.
The cost of ella is about $50.
Plan B and ella may be free if you have insurance or Medicaid.
If you can get a stock of EC pills in advance, you can take advantage of online coupons and other offers.
Check out the providers that offer Telemedicine.
- Nurx offers New Day, a Plan B generic, and ella
- Planned Parenthood offers Plan B and ella
- Stix offers Restart, a Plan B generic
- Wisp offers Plan B and ella
If you are concerned about being pregnant, you should not deal with locked cabinets or other strange things at the pharmacy.
Pre-bought pregnancy tests are available there.
For one, those purchased online are usually less expensive. And already having a stash of tests means you can take one as soon as you need to — something that’s especially important if you live in a state with a so-called “heartbeat bill.”
Some of our favorite online retailers.
- bird&be offers a one-time purchase of 4 tests
- Modern Fertility offers a one-time purchase of 4 tests or a recurring subscription
- Natalist offers a one-time purchase of 4 tests or a recurring subscription
- Stix offers a one-time purchase of 2 tests or a recurring subscription
There are at- home pregnancy tests.
You can buy abortion pills online no matter what state you live in.
There are ways to get abortion medication if you live in an abortion-hostile state.
It is much more efficient to jump through the hoops and navigate the delivery process before the pills are needed.
The organization Aid Access, for example, ships abortion pills to all U.S. states and territories. It can take up to 3 weeks for the pills to be delivered.
The cost of this service varies depending on where you live. Financial assistance is available for people who need it.
Online pharmacies can sell abortion pills, but they may not offer physician support. You can buy in bulk and get a discount.
If you’re unsure how or where to get abortion pills, the advocacy organization Plan C has you covered.
Prioritize your privacy
There are legal risks to self-managing abortion. Some states restrict access to abortion.
This means that discretion and privacy are very important.
If you can, tell as few people as possible about your decision to end your pregnancies.
Clear any internet search, private message, or phone call history that might connect this to you.
“National advocacy organizations like Planned Parenthood are important in the fight for reproductive rights, but they are often well-resourced. They don’t need your money.”
Practical support organizations (PSOs) like abortion funds, legal defense funds, and independent clinics are typically run by small, local groups who do on-the-ground work in communities that need it.
PSOs can provide cash assistance to pay for abortion arrangements, as well as help with travel, lodging, child care, and food.
If you have the money, you can make a one-time or recurring donation to help keep these organizations afloat.
One of the most effective ways to help abortion seekers is to connect with your community’s existing abortion network.
Attempting to create a new network or go rogue in your efforts to help can actually do more harm than good. It can lead to criminal charges for everyone involved, at best, and it can delay people in their journey for care.
If you aren’t sure where to start, the nonprofit organization Apiary for Practical Support has a list of national, regional, and state PSOs that could use monetary or in-kind donations.
Volunteer tasks can be as varied as they are. You could help your local PSO by:
- People are being escorted into and out of the clinic.
- Donations are being collected for care packages.
- People are being driven to and from the airport.
To learn more, check out the Apiary for Practical Support’s guide to volunteering.
You, your partner, and your communities deserve accurate, unbiased care.
To help prevent a baby from being born.
- Use condoms correctly.
- Consider a secondary method of birth control.
- Take Plan B or other emergency contraception.
“To help identify early signs of a baby’s development.”
To learn more about different methods.
To find a healthcare professional that is trustworthy.
- Understand which methods are available each week of pregnancy.
- Avoid crisis pregnancy centers.
- Contact clinic locations near you.
Take a deep breath. You are not alone, whether you are reading this to help yourself, a friend, a family member, or another loved one through this process. We are in this together.
Tess Catlett is a sex and relationships editor at Healthline, covering all things sticky, scary, and sweet. Find her unpacking her inherited trauma and crying over Harry Styles on Twitter.
