Abortion Support Network (ASN) is proud to celebrate 15 years of providing critical assistance to people across Europe in accessing safe abortions. Since our founding in 2009, ASN has grown from a small operation into a network of over 50 dedicated volunteers. Together, we continue to work tirelessly to help those in need of financial assistance, travel, accommodation, and guidance as they seek vital reproductive healthcare. By the end of the year, we are expected to have heard from over 10,000 people looking for information and/or grants to help them access safe abortions.  

ASN was initially established as a grassroots organisation, with a strong foundation of UK hosts who welcomed people into their homes as they travelled for abortion services. Due to Brexit, and Covid, we have had to shift to a more sustainable model, using hotel accommodations to ensure people could continue accessing care. Despite these changes, our mission remains as urgent as ever. 

Our impact over the last 15 years has been profound. By the end of 2024 we predict that we will have given out £1.5 million in grants to individuals across Europe needing financial support to pay for travel, accommodation, and abortion procedures. These funds have enabled thousands of people to access the care they need, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances. 

Our 15th birthday comes at a time of both progress and continued challenges for reproductive rights in Europe. We welcome the introduction of buffer zones around abortion clinics in the UK this Autumn, a significant step towards protecting people seeking abortions from harassment and intimidation. However, we recognise that many barriers remain. In countries where it is available, the legal parameters make access restrictive, and for countries like Poland and Malta abortion laws make it extremely difficult to access. 

Moreover, while the repeal of the 8th Amendment in Ireland was a monumental victory, there are still issues due to a postcode lottery, which leaves many people struggling to access care depending on where they live. Despite the legal changes, the availability of services remains uneven, making it challenging for many individuals to secure timely access to abortions. 

“While we are proud of the progress we’ve made, this milestone also reminds us of the ongoing fight for reproductive justice across Europe,” says Ruth Fletcher, Chair of the Board of ASN. “Every day, we hear from people facing immense barriers to accessing care. Our mission remains steadfast: to ensure no one is forced to continue a pregnancy they do not want simply because of geography or financial hardship.” 

As we celebrate 15 years of helping people in need, ASN is more committed than ever to ensuring that people have access to reproductive healthcare. We will continue working until safe, legal abortion is a reality for everyone.