Hello from the Tucson Abortion Support Collective!
We are kicking off 2021 with our very first monthly update to keep you all informed on what’s going on with abortion access in Tucson, the legal abortion landscape in Arizona, and transparency about what our work looks like by the numbers.
Here’s what we have been up to for January:
Number of callers: 13 callers
Pledges paid out for abortion care: $1440
Total abortions (partially funded): 5
Average pledge per client: $288.
Transportation assistant provided: 5 clients within Tucson; 5 clients between Tucson and Phoenix.
Emergency contraception distributed: 4
And here’s the breakdown of our work in 2020.
A few updates about our work in the last few months and what’s happening right now:
Everyone’s lives and work have changed during the pandemic, and TASC is no different. Providing practical support like transportation has been a particular challenge, but we were quick to adopt some new safety protocols and have continued to provide people with rides to/from abortion appointments.
In previous years, a huge amount of abortion funding has come from a single national organization. The organization has implemented major cuts in 2021, and we are the feeling the effect here in Arizona (as are folks around the country). The already huge need for financial support for abortion care is even larger now, and we are engaging in conversations with partner organizations like the Abortion Fund of Arizona about how to best use and share resources.
We’ve seen a decrease in appointment availability at the Planned Parenthood in Tucson, with a lot of clients needed to head up to Phoenix for care. This presents an extra layer of difficulty with transportation, time off work, childcare etc. Luckily, Tucson now has another abortion provider, so we hope that people will start to have easier times scheduling appointments at both clinics. See below for contact information for the new clinic.
There is also a big round of anti-choice legislature coming out of Arizona Republicans. We are in weekly conversations with Representatives and other stakeholders to track these bills and speak out against them. Stay tuned for updates!
We recently joined the newly formed Arizona Reproductive Justice Coalition, which seeks to advance policies rooted in RJ values. Look out for our policy agenda and press release soon!
Choices Women’s Center (Formerly Tucson Women’s Center)
5240 E. Knight #112
(520) 210-8300 / (808) 480-PILL
appointment@TucsonChoices.com
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 8-4, Friday 8 - 12 (Noon)
currently providing medication abortion only, up to 10 weeks.
Thanks for your support- TASC