ASN Urges Community Action in Protecting Abortion Access Amid Global Shifts in Reproductive Rights Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
Abortion access everywhere is fragile. The changes made during Trump’s first term in presidency serve as a stark reminder of how quickly hard-won freedoms can be taken away. A second Trump presidency will make abortion access harder in the coming years for women and pregnant people in the States. But the impact of this is not isolated – it sends a dangerous global signal that undermines reproductive justice everywhere.
As the global narrative shifts, it is becoming increasingly clear that abortion access remains a vulnerable and volatile issue. In the wake of challenges to reproductive justice across the globe, Abortion Support Network (ASN), the only UK-based abortion funding organisation, is calling for greater awareness and support in ensuring abortion becomes accessible for all.
“Abortion access in Europe is not as straightforward as people might assume. Which country you are in, how much money you have and what passport you hold, along with other factors will determine whether you have access to this essential health care or not. Abortion funds exist to ensure access for all,” says Camille Kumar, Managing Director at Abortion Support Network.
“While we and others celebrated the historic repeal of the eighth amendment in Ireland, and France becoming the first country in the world to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution, the reality on the ground is more nuanced. In 2024, our helpline heard from almost 200 people in Ireland and over 100 in France. Legal does not always mean accessible,” says Camille. “While abortion is legal in many -but not all- European countries, significant barriers remain – time limits, financial, geographic, logistical and societal constraints – that prevent people from accessing the care they need. In 2024 over 1,000 people from 44 countries contacted our helpline. We funded 300 abortions and supported hundreds more with information and signposting. Our average grant in 2024 was £924 – this is used to pay for flights, clinic fees and accommodation where necessary. Our data highlights that those most harmed by restricted access to abortion care are those from marginalised communities, including people of colour, young people, people with insecure immigration status, people suffering abuse, low-income individuals, and those living in rural areas.”
“We cannot be complacent. The struggle for equitable access to safe legal abortion requires an informed community that recognises abortion as essential healthcare and that is prepared to actively resist attacks on abortion access and intersecting reproductive justice issues.
“We believe in the power of solidarity and the necessity of sharing resources,” says Camille. “By connecting the dots between global shifts in reproductive justice and the local impact, we can create a stronger, united resistance to attacks on abortion access and reproductive justice. Abortion is a fundamental human right, and we must organise to protect it everywhere.”
Abortion Support Network (ASN) is launching a platform on the 16th of January, for people to share their travel abortion story, to illustrate the human impact of arbitrary restrictions and to underscore the complexities of seeking care across borders. ASN is urging people to donate to abortion funds – ASN and our sibling organisations in Abortion without Borders- to ensure we can continue to provide logistical and financial assistance to abortion seekers in Europe.
“We must act with urgency and care and continue to advocate for a future where abortion is not only legal but fully accessible to everyone, whenever, whyever and wherever they need it.” concludes Camille.