Saturday

06-28-2025 Vol 2005

Abortion Access in America: The Journey of Women Like Sarah

In late March, Sarah, a 22-year-old mother, embarked on a journey that encapsulates the current state of abortion access in the United States.

Leaving her two-year-old daughter behind for the night at a friend’s house, Sarah took an Uber early in the morning to the airport in Atlanta.

A few hours later, she found herself in New York City, navigating the complexities of healthcare limitations applicable to her back home in Georgia.

Sarah’s story is a reflection of the harsh reality faced by many women today, particularly in states that impose strict bans on abortion.

After a home pregnancy test confirmed her suspicion, Sarah knew she did not want to proceed with the pregnancy.

Her circumstances were further complicated by the fact that her daughter’s father had passed away the previous year, leading her to feel unprepared to raise another child as a single mother.

“It was a mistake, and as I personally did not want to put myself in a position of being a single mother of two kids, I knew immediately, ‘No, I couldn’t do this,'” Sarah stated.

Unbeknownst to her at the time, Georgia had implemented a stringent six-week abortion ban, which left her with very few options.

During an ultrasound appointment in Atlanta, a nurse informed her that she was actually six weeks and six days along, meaning she could not obtain an abortion in her home state.

This revelation left Sarah anxious and desperate for alternatives; she quickly sought assistance from the National Abortion Federation Hotline.

The hotline referred her to the Choices Women’s Medical Centre in New York, located more than 1200 kilometers away.

By the time Sarah arranged for travel, her pregnancy progressed to eleven weeks.

“I knew I had to get there and get the appointment,” she remarked.

After successfully securing an appointment and undergoing the 20-minute procedure, Sarah returned to Atlanta later that day, exhausted but relieved.

Her story epitomizes the experiences of many women in 2025, as more than half of the country is now operating under severe restrictions on abortion access.

Since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in 2022, the number of women traveling across state lines to access abortion services has surged.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, approximately 155,100 people traveled for abortions in 2024, nearly double the number from 2020.

In addition, about 7640 patients sought abortions in New York, which boasts some of the most progressive abortion laws in the country.

Unlike in other states, New York allows for abortions up to 24 weeks gestation and does not require parental consent for minors.

In stark contrast, many states have introduced restrictive laws aiming to limit access to reproductive rights.

For instance, Louisiana has issued an extradition order for a New York doctor who faced charges for prescribing abortion medication online to a minor.

Additionally, there are proposed legislations in multiple states that would criminalize abortion even when it is legal elsewhere.

In New York, officials and advocates remain committed to shielding abortion rights and providing aid to women facing barriers.

Last year, the New York City’s Health Department launched an initiative to advertise its Abortion Access Hub through billboards across Texas, Georgia, and Florida.

The hotline linked to this initiative offers information on providers, as well as financial assistance for travel and accommodation.

Despite the efforts from New York, the state is not insulated from the escalating national abortion rights battle.

Protests against abortion providers continue at clinics like Choices Women’s Medical Centre in Queens, which has been at the forefront of the abortion rights movement since its inception in 1971.

Founder Merle Hoffman recounts her experiences with patients when she first started the clinic and draws parallels to the current state of affairs.

“It’s like reliving my youth – Groundhog Day – because it’s as if I’ve been thrown back into the first days of my experience here,” she said.

The recent influx of out-of-state patients seeking services at Choices has increased significantly, with a record of 314 out-of-state patients served in 2024 alone.

Workers at the clinic, like Rebecca Glassman, take on the responsibility of reaching out to patients, many of whom struggle with travel logistics and financial constraints.

The emotional toll experienced by these women often compounds the stress of seeking care when they are already grappling with a personal crisis.

Glassman emphasized the importance of reassuring patients that the care they receive in New York is legal, highlighting the pervasive fear among some who travel from more restrictive states.

The organization Brigid Alliance has stepped in to offer further support, providing travel coordination and financial assistance for women navigating the necessity of out-of-state care.

These barriers to access extend beyond financial concerns; they affect the lives of women who are often unprepared for the strain of their situation.

Many of the women traveling to clinics for care experience profound stress, as this may be their first time traveling alone or flying.

The need for personal support has led many people in New York to volunteer their time.

Karen Duda, a co-ordinator with the Haven Coalition, has hosted around 50 women since the coalition’s inception, emphasizing the importance of providing safe spaces for those traveling from onerous restrictions.

Tragically, the consequences of restricted access to abortion have resulted in at least five women dying after failing to receive timely care in states like Texas and Georgia.

Medical professionals have expressed concern over rising sepsis rates and maternal mortality, attributing these issues to the increasingly treacherous environment created by state bans.

These recent statistics highlight the tangible dangers faced by women who cannot secure needed medical procedures in restrictive environments.

Joseph Ottolenghi, a leading doctor at Choices, voiced concerns about the implications for medical professionals too, noting, “It’s frightening for doctors, but it’s especially frightening for patients.

The interplay of legal risks and patient care creates tension, jeopardizing the well-being of women seeking health services.

Meanwhile, the legal framework regarding abortion pills remains under scrutiny; laws vary widely from state to state.

With penalties for doctors who provide abortions steepening across conservative states, the future of safe and legal reproductive healthcare hangs in the balance.

Recent moves by lawmakers to classify abortion as a homicide or introduce extreme penalties raise alarm bells among advocates for reproductive rights.

The troubling reality underscores a generational struggle intertwined with broader social and political issues in America.

As such, organizations and coalitions are stepping up, determined to provide support for women facing tight restrictions.

Despite the turmoil, advocates maintain hope that the resistance will grow stronger and that reproductive rights will continue to be championed in states like New York.

Merle Hoffman insists that amidst doubt, there will always be an ongoing battle for rights and autonomy over one’s body.

“In my mind, existing is resisting,” she said with unwavering determination.

The struggle continues as women like Sarah navigate their options, often against a backdrop of anxiety and a weakened safety net.

Sarah’s experience serves as a compelling reminder of why advocates believe in uncompromised access to medical care.

“What does it have to do with anyone else? It’s my decision. Why does it matter to the state how many weeks I am before I can get the procedure or not?” Sarah questioned.

The systemic barriers have forced her to travel hundreds of miles only to address what she felt was a fundamental decision about her own life.

Upon returning home to Atlanta, the exhaustion was palpable, yet Sarah exemplifies the resilience of many women facing similar dilemmas across the nation.

As the national conversation continues to evolve, stories like Sarah’s will remain a vital part of revealing the complexities surrounding abortion access in today’s America.

image source from:https://www.smh.com.au/national/merle-saw-her-first-out-of-state-abortion-patient-in-nyc-in-1971-now-it-s-groundhog-day-20250501-p5lvn5.html

Charlotte Hayes