Following changes in national and WI law, these are common questions that survivors & those who support them have about abortion access. Compiled in August, 2022.

Download the FAQ here: Abortion Access in WI FAQ for Survivors – August 2022_Final

We have also created a sharable social media graphics series containing the information below. Download those files at https://bit.ly/FAQabortionWI 

End Abuse Expresses Fear That Supreme Court Decision Dobbs v. Jackson Survivors of Domestic Violence

In the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, destroying the constitutional right to abortion and leaving states to decide the legality of abortion. This decision effectively rolls back bodily and sexual autonomy for those who can become pregnant, and this is especially dangerous for survivors of domestic violence. End Abuse recognizes that survivors of domestic violence often experience reproductive coercion, including birth control sabotage and forced pregnancy. Moreover, many survivors of domestic violence experience increased abuse while pregnant. Now, without the ability to make their own reproductive health decisions, survivors are at greater risk.

“This decision will have grave impacts for those who can become pregnant, and those consequences will have even more dangerous effects for survivors of domestic violence – in particular BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQ survivors who are already more marginalized,” said Monique Minkens, Executive Director of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin. “We stand behind survivors of domestic violence and recognize their critical right to bodily autonomy, including the right to choose an abortion.”  

End Abuse is committed to empowering survivors and supporting their right to bodily autonomy.

A draft majority opinion in the US Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has been leaked and shared with Politico. The Mississippi case arose from the state’s new statute banning abortion after 15 weeks. The leaked opinion actually overturns Roe v. Wade. 

The majority opinion was written by Justice Alito and signed onto by four of the other Republican-appointed justices – Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Meanwhile, “the three Democratic-appointed justices – Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan – are working on one or more dissents… How Chief Justice John Roberts will ultimately vote, and whether he will join an already written opinion or draft his own, is unclear.”

Critically, “Deliberations on controversial cases have in the past been fluid. Justices can and sometimes do change their votes as draft opinions circulate and major decisions can be subject to multiple drafts and vote-trading, sometimes until just days before a decision is unveiled. The court’s holding will not be final until it is published, likely in the next two months.”

However, if this draft does become the published majority opinion, the effect will be to end the federal, constitutionally-grounded right to abortion that has been protected by Roe v. Wade. This move will leave individual states free to protect abortion or not, and many states are already poised to curtail abortion rights.

The full Politico article delves into the majority’s stance on overturning precedent, their view of Roe, and how they attempt to tie their reasoning to race. End Abuse will provide updates on new information surrounding this case, in particular the ultimate published opinion. In the meantime, please refer to the resources below in the ongoing work for reproductive justice and survivor justice

“Reproductive justice builds from the recognition that many communities, especially poor communities of color, have experienced historical reproductive abuses—from the breeding of slaves to coercive sterilizations to welfare benefits in exchange for long-acting contraceptives. Reproductive justice recognizes that the main reproductive challenge facing poor women of color is not unintended pregnancy, but rather structural inequities that provide some people with easier access to self-determination and bodily autonomy than others.”

-Wisconsin Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (CORE)

from the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance (Action Alliance): Understanding Reproductive Justice Series

• Part 1: What is Reproductive Justice? 
• Part 2: How Does Reproductive Justice Intersect with Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence? 
• Part 3: How Can We Build and Foster Reproductive Justice within Sexual and Domestic Violence Agencies? 

Reproductive and sexual coercion involves behavior intended to maintain power and control in a relationship related to reproductive health by someone who is, was, or wishes to be involved in an intimate or dating relationship with an adult or adolescent. This behavior includes explicit attempts to impregnate a partner against her will, control outcomes of a pregnancy, coerce a partner to have unprotected sex, and interfere with contraceptive methods.

Learn more from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/02/reproductive-and-sexual-coercion

Questions, Guidance, and Access to Health Care:

Call Lines Available

• Planned Parenthood of WI:

Planned Parenthood of WI empowers all individuals to manage their sexual and reproductive health through patient services, education and advocacy. Planned Parenthood Health Centers offer affordable, confidential, and accurate pregnancy testing and counseling, STD testing and treatment, HIV testing and education, birth control, midlife care, and other quality prevention health care to all youth and adults in health centers throughout Wisconsin.   

• Pregnancy Options Wisconsin: Education, Resources, and Support:

A WI-based group of volunteer doctors, midwives, doulas, educators, and activists committed to strengthening our communities and world through trust in pregnant people. They support pregnant people with safe and accurate information and help connect folks to resources. Their website offers specific resources by region, including population-specific resources for Black folks, Latinx folks, and the LGBTQ community.

Financial Support & Resource Connections

• Women’s Medical Fund:

Women’s Medical Fund (WMF) is one of the oldest abortion funds in the nation. Since 1972, WMF Wisconsin has supported Wisconsin residents in paying for abortion care. A volunteer-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, WMF Wisconsin also educates and organizes for abortion access.

• Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective

This is a statewide resource hub that can link you to vital services in your area. Categories of services include low cost or free community health and dental clinics, financial assistance, nutrition, mental health, substance abuse, pregnancy, and parenting. Be advised that some of the listed healthcare, adoption, and pregnancy centers do not support full-spectrum pregnancy options and resources.

The Collective includes doulas, nurses, breastfeeding counselors, sexual health educators, midwives, hospice workers, herbalists, reproductive justice advocates, researchers, and more, upholding accessible and culturally sensitive full-spectrum support for all pregnancy experiences for individuals and families of color.

• Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)

WIC provides eligible Wisconsin residents with nutrition education, breastfeeding education and assistance, supplemental foods, and referrals to other nutrition services. To apply, visit a WIC office near you.

• BadgerCare Health Insurance Programs for Pregnant People in Wisconsin:

This is the Medicaid application process for pregnant residents and immigrants of low income in Wisconsin. Included in the process is application for FoodShare, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation assistance, and other services.

• La Leche League of Wisconsin:

La Leche League can answer breastfeeding questions, help you find a local breastfeeding support group, and provide breastfeeding education and referrals.

• LGBTQ Anti-Violence Resource Line

To talk to an LGBTQ anti-violence advocate who can help connect to care, call or text Diverse and Resilient’s LGBTQ Anti-Violence Resource Line at (414) 856-LGBT (5428). This non-emergency line is open to family, friends, and survivors of intimate partner, sexual, or hate violence.

Organizations Working on Policy, Systems, & Broader Change

• The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness:

a Wisconsin based non-profit organization committed to mobilizing African American women to pursue and sustain mind-body-spirit wellness, and to raise the visibility and support of Black women’s health as a community and public health priority.

• Wisconsin Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (CORE):

Housed within the University of Wisconsin – Madison, CORE conducts and translates rigorous, interdisciplinary research to inform policies and programs so that all Wisconsin residents and families may live with reproductive autonomy–able to make decisions about their reproductive health and access needed services without interference or coercion.

• WI Alliance for Women’s Health:

Empowers every WI woman – at every age and every stage of life – to reach her optimal health, safety and economic security..

Financial Support & Resource Connections

• AbortionFinder.org:

With more than 750 health centers, AbortionFinder.org features the most comprehensive directory of trusted (and verified) abortion service providers in the United States.

• Crisis Pregnancy Center Map:

CPC Map aims to provide location information about all of the crisis pregnancy centers operating in the U.S.

CPCs (also known as “pregnancy resource centers”, “pregnancy care clinics”, and “fake women’s health centers”) are nonprofit organizations with a primary aim of keeping women from having an abortion.

• National Network of Abortion Funds:

The NNAF builds power with members to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice.

Organizations Working on Policy, Systems, & Broader Change

• SisterSong Women of Color Collective

SisterSong is the largest national multi-ethnic Reproductive Justice collective. Membership includes and represents Indigenous, African American, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Latina women and LGBTQ people. Membership also includes allies who support women’s human right to lead fully self-determined lives. They are dedicated to growing and supporting the RJ movement, and to uplifting the voices and building the capacity of movement sisters to win access to abortion and all other reproductive rights.

• The Center for Reproductive Rights: 

a global human rights organization of lawyers and advocates who ensure reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights for the dignity, equality, health, and well-being of every person.

• In Our Own Voice – National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda:

a national-state partnership focused on lifting up the voices of Black women leaders at the national and regional levels in our fight to secure Reproductive Justice for all women, femmes, and girls.

• National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice:

National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice (the Latina Institute) builds Latina/x power to fight for the fundamental human right to reproductive health, dignity, and justice.

• TEWA Women United’s Indigenous Women’s Health and Reproductive Justice Program:

TWU’s Indigenous Women’s Health and Reproductive Justice Program welcomes families to engage in their health and wellbeing by revitalizing and reclaiming traditional practices and ways of knowing.

For information about clinics and funding in Illinois

Chicago Abortion Fund   

CALL LINE (312) 663-0338

Provides financial, logistical and emotional support for those, including Wisconsin residents, seeking abortion care in Chicago, Illinois and the Midwest.

For information about clinics and funding in Minnesota

Our Justice   

Provides financial assistance and resources to people who cannot afford an abortion, including Wisconsin residents accessing abortion care in Minnesota. Follow instructions here and complete the intake form.

Immediate Assistance for Abortion-Related Prosecution

Repro Legal Helpline: https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/

Legal information for those seeking an abortion. Responses are sent within 48 hours, sooner in emergencies.  

Repro Legal Defense: https://reprolegaldefensefund.org/

Can provide legal assistance for those who are being investigated, have been arrested, or are otherwise prosecuted for allegedly self-managing an abortion. If the case is accepted, the group can pay for bail and legal expenses, including attorney fees, court costs, bail alternatives, court programming, and more.    

National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW) Legal Advocacy: https://www.nationaladvocatesforpregnantwomen.org/programs/legal-advocacy/

NAPW can help by providing pro-bono (free) criminal defense for pregnant women charged with crimes in relationship to their pregnancies — for having an abortion, experiencing a pregnancy loss, or because a woman was pregnant and a law enforcement official believed she was somehow endangering her pregnancy whether by falling down a flight of stairs or by using alcohol or a criminalized drug.  

Additional Legal Resources

If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice: https://www.ifwhenhow.org/

If/When/How transforms the law and policy landscape through advocacy, support, and organizing so all people have the power to determine if, when, and how to define, create, and sustain families with dignity and to actualize sexual and reproductive wellbeing on their own terms.

LGBTQ Family Law in Wisconsin: https://www.lawcenterwisconsin.com/the-law-center-for-children-families/lgbt-family-law/

This law center provides current information regarding parentage rights and options in Wisconsin. Areas include assisted reproduction technology, adoption, surrogacy, birth certification, estate planning, and more.

State Bar of Wisconsin’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service: https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedaLawyer/Pages/LRIS.aspx

This is a legal service that helps you afford the process of finding the right attorney for your needs. LRIS attorneys charge no more than $20 for an initial half-hour consultation. Ask about what fees you will be charged after the half-hour consultation. You are under no obligation to hire the lawyer.

Trans Law Wisconsin: https://www.translawhelp.com/

This is a group of volunteer attorneys assisting the transgender community. They provide information about the process for obtaining a name and gender marker change and hands-on assistance with completing required forms.

End Abuse created infographics and key quotes and statistics for public use highlighting the link between domestic violence, reproductive coercion, and abortion access. Find these resources – including graphics available in sizing for multiple social media channels – at bit.ly/endabusereprojust

F.A.Q. on Abortion in Wisconsin

In August, 2022, following changes in national and WI law, we have created a 2-page FAQ flyer and a social media graphics series answering common questions that survivors & those who support them have about abortion access. These are available at the link above, and you can also:

download the FAQ flyer at Abortion Access in WI FAQ for Survivors – August 2022_Final

download the social media files at https://bit.ly/FAQabortionWI 

Connecting Intimate Partner Violence & Reproductive Justice

Resource Compilation:

VAWnet Resources on IPV & Reproductive Justice

These materials specifically highlight the connections between reproductive oppression and domestic and sexual violence, and demonstrate that the work towards advancing reproductive justice and the work to eliminate violence against women are intricately interconnected.

Podcast:

How Intimate Partner Violence is a Reproductive Justice Issue: A Personal Conversation,

from RePROS Fight Back, a podcast fighting for reproductive health, rights, and justice, hosted by Wisconsin native and domestic violence survivor Jennie Wetter – now the Director of Public Policy at the Population Institute, where she fights every day for reproductive health and rights.

About the episode: Intimate partner violence (IPV), or abuse or aggression in intimate or romantic relationships, takes many forms, including physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, financial violence, and psychological aggression. Monica Edwards, Federal Policy Manager at Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE), talks to us about the ways in which IPV and reproductive health, rights, and justice intersect, and the communities most impacted by IPV.

Study:

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence as a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Issue in the United States

from the Guutmacher Institute,  a leading research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States

Theory & Additional Reading

The Color of Choice: White Supremacy and Reproductive Justice by Loretta J. Ross

available in The Color of Violence: The INCITE! Anthology 

Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics, by Kimberle’ Crenshaw

This Black feminist piece discusses a problematic consequence of the tendency to treat race and gender as mutually exclusive categories of experience and analysis.