ABORTION ACCESS IN TAMPA BAY

Last week was an important time for reproductive advocates in Tampa Bay.

First, on Monday, the long awaited decision on June v Russo was released.

While a positive decision, the issue should never have been debated in the first place. Abortion is a constitutional right and should be accessible

regardless of a person's zip code or socio-economic status.

What does this decision mean for Tampa Bay?

Hear our full 6/29 statement on the SCOTUS decision HERE

We have already been aiding Louisiana callers in Tampa Bay

because of the barriers to access in Louisiana pre-SCOTUS decision.

We anticipate continuing to provide the same level of support.

An example of how that affects us and our callers:

Suzie faced a 90 minute taxi ride from Baton Rouge to New Orleans,

a six hour flight with a stopover from New Orleans to Tampa,

her procedure in Tampa, followed by return travel.

TBAF supported her on the ground with three different round trip drivers,

two ubers, prescription pick up, food delivery, and a care package for recovery.

She also received aid fro m NAF and NOAF , ARC and EMA .

It truly takes a village!

Throughout the month of June and into July,

Tampa Bay has been deluged with anti-choice messaging.

Two billboards were placed near one of our Clearwater clinics,

anti-choice banners were waved on the Courtney Campbell Causeway

and signs hung on a bridge in St. Petersburg.

These anti-choice activities were coordinated and paid for

by national anti-choice organizations.

What does this mean for TBAF?

IT MEANS WE ARE FIGHTING BACK.

Counter signs were erected in St. Pete by Progress Florida 6/26.

Pro-Choice signs were waved on the Courtney Campbell 6/30.

Three bulletin boards, equidistant between our two Clearwater clinics,

will feature Pro-Choice messaging starting this week

7/6 through the rest of the month.

It is a FACT that the majority of Floridians

want to keep abortion safe and legal.

We must ensure OUR voice is heard in the face of this

attack by a vocal minority funded by national sources.

What else is happening with TBAF?

1) We are developing a driver escort training program.

We have grown from four volunteer driving escorts to ten and

are leveraging national training programs by organizations lik e CASN

t o ensure our volunteers and clients are both safe and cared for.

2) We are up to 130 calls to date this year; over 300 callers since 2017.

3) We have extended our clinic network from our local

8 to include an additional 8 clinics nationwide

We can't do this alone -

We need and appreciate your support!

Please reach out to us for volunteer opportunities.