28 Jun Abortion Messaging Guides and Resources
As an organization that works on behalf of gender-based violence victims/survivors and those that serve them throughout New York State, the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) affirms that all people deserve access to safe, legal, and accessible sexual and reproductive healthcare. This position is rooted in our commitment to protecting our basic human rights to bodily autonomy, informed choice, and person-centered care.
While the Supreme Court has decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion continues to be legal nationwide, including in New York State, where Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed a comprehensive legislative package protecting abortion care patients and providers. However, 13 states will immediately ban access to safe abortions, and more than half could severely restrict access. To be clear, this will not end abortion. It will end safe and legal abortions, which puts the lives of pregnant people at risk.
Laws that deny access to abortion care constitute state-sanctioned reproductive abuse. These laws prevent people from governing what happens to their own bodies, without the threat of violence, external influence, or coercion. These laws disproportionately harm survivors, LGBTQIA2S communities, Black and Brown communities, disabled communities, and all who live along these intersections. We are committed to cultivating a world without violence, in which abortion care is safe, legal, and within reach.
As we collectively respond to the Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, we wanted to share some resources with messaging guidance that you and your organizations may find helpful:
- Building Alliances: Guidance for Sexual Violence Organizations Engaging in Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice Advocacy (Guidance from the National Partnership for Women & Families and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence)
- Speaking Your Values, Building Connections: Affirming Shared, Positive Values for Abortion Care (Guidance from the National Women’s Law Center)
- Reducing Pushback, Avoiding Stigma, Helpful Approaches (1-pager from National Women’s Law Center)
- Talking About Abortion? Values-Based Messages Put You on Solid Ground (1-pager from National Women’s Law Center)
Survivors in your community may contact you or your organization to request assistance with seeking abortion care. Here are some resources to have readily available:
- Abortion Finder (www.abortionfinder.org) is a free and confidential tool that helps abortion care seekers locate an abortion provider.
- The National Network of Abortion Funds (www.abortionfunds.org/need-abortion) is a tool that connects abortion care seekers with organizations that can support their financial and logistical needs. In New York State, such organizations include:
In addition, here are some resources for self-care, safety planning, and mental health that may be helpful for survivors in your community:
- Created by the ‘me too’ Movement, Survivor’s Sanctuary is a self-guided healing platform intended to aid survivors in their healing journeys.
- Created by Spring Up, this Safety & Self-Care Plan can help survivors create a practical plan, on their own or in collaboration with an advocate or trusted loved ones, for ensuring their safety and well-being.
- The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) offers resources and support groups for Black people seeking emotional and mental health support.
- Find more resources for survivors on NYSCASA’s website at www.nyscasa.org/survivors, and find more resources for advocates at https://nyscasa.org/advocates.
If the NYSCASA can provide any additional resources or support, please feel free to contact us via email (info@nyscasa.org) or phone (518-482-4222).