As 2024 draws to a close, it marks two and a half years since the Supreme Court rescinded the right to abortion in the United States. While we take pride in the resilience and accomplishments of independent clinics and their supporters during this time, we refuse to accept this harsh reality as the new normal.
The Impact Since Roe Was Overturned
- 76 independent clinics have been forced to close.
- 14 states now lack even a single abortion clinic, particularly in the South and Midwest.
- Anti-abortion extremism has escalated, including acts of arson, clinic invasions, stalking, and threats.
- Despite these challenges, 32 new clinics have opened, providing essential care.
Entire states and regions depend heavily on independent clinics, especially in politically hostile areas and for those seeking abortion care after the first trimester. Despite mounting obstacles, Independent clinics remain steadfast in their mission to serve their communities.
Standing Strong in 2024
This year, the Abortion Care Network supported, celebrated, and amplified the efforts of independent abortion providers who continue to show up for their communities:
- Led the #CelebrateAbortionProviders campaign for the eighth consecutive year.
- The report “Our Communities Need Clinics” was released, highlighting the vital role of indie clinics.
- Distributed over $1.8 million directly to clinics through the Keep Our Clinics initiative. Besides financial support, Keep Our Clinics provides news, information, and emotional support to reproductive care clinics such as Austin Women’s Health, and we are deeply grateful to them for their support.
Our network’s collective brilliance, dedication, and resilience made these achievements possible. Supporting indie clinics drives meaningful change.
The Challenges Persist
We recognize the urgent need for equitable and affordable access to abortion care. Raising awareness of the challenges indie clinics face is critical. In 2024, awareness of these struggles grew:
- Abortion bans continue to close clinics, but financial hardships also pose a major threat.
- Reports highlighted the tough financial realities for providers, such as:
Independent clinics are taking risks, challenging bans, and providing care in places others have left behind. Yet, they still face significant struggles to remain open and accessible.
Resilience in Action
Despite the overturning of Roe reshaping the landscape, independent clinics persist. They continue adapting and fighting to survive, even in states where abortion has been banned.
In 2024, Austin Women’s Health Center reinvented itself to stay operational in Texas, a state with no abortion providers and only two remaining clinics. They served 2,677 women this year, offering:
- 275 ultrasounds and 150 follow-ups for post-abortion care.
- 576 STI testing visits.
- 20 cases of ectopic pregnancy management.
- 300 IUD insertions and removals.
- 450 office visits for gynecological problems.
- 2-3 D&C procedures monthly for miscarriage management.
Looking Ahead
We can’t predict what 2025 will bring, but we know the road ahead will likely be even tougher for those providing and needing abortion care. Independent clinics have held on for years, hoping for relief. While national legal protections are unlikely, those who care about abortion access must rely on each other.
The Abortion Care Network is resolute in its commitment to keep independent clinics open and accessible. But we can’t do it alone. It will take all of us. Here’s how you can help:
- Donate to independent clinics directly or through Keep Our Clinics.
- Share information about where to find a clinic at ineedanA.com
- Become a patient: many indie clinics offer a range of health services. If a clinic near you offers services you need, getting care there is a great way to support the clinic.
- Volunteer for or work with your local clinic. Whatever your skill set is, independent abortion care providers need your expertise and support.
- Work with local, state, and national reproductive health, rights, and justice groups to end abortion restrictions and to pass policies that increase access to abortion.
Together, we can ensure independent clinics remain a lifeline for those who need care the most.
Note: This blog post is adapted from an email originally sent by the Abortion Care Network.