The overturning of Roe v. Wade has caused concern about safe access to abortion.
State Access
Today, individual States have the power to decide if abortion is legal in their state. Click here to learn if abortion is still legal in your state.
IHS Access
Indian Health Service (IHS) rarely performed abortions before Roe v. Wade was overturned. It is unclear now whether IHS facilities will be able to offer abortions.
Tribal Access
Due to Tribal sovereignty, every Tribe has the power to decide what health services they offer. If your Tribal clinic offers reproductive health services, there is a possibility that they offer abortions.
Keep in mind that any Tribal clinic that receives federal funding (like IHS funding) may be restricted when it comes to abortion. Call your Tribal clinic to find out if abortion is offered.
If you want an Abortion
If you want an abortion, you are not alone and you have options. You can either have an in-clinic abortion (in a state where abortion is legal) or you can take the abortion pill. Both are safe and common. Learn more here.
Paying for an Abortion
If you need help paying for an abortion, funds may be available. Learn more at AbortionFinder.org or Indigenous Women Rising – an organization that helps abortions in the United States and Canada for Indigenous people. To connect with Indigenous Women Rising, visit www.iwrising.org/abortion-fund or call or text 505-398-1990.
For more information on accessing abortion:
- Planned Parenthood – Learn About Abortion
- WeRNative – What is Roe v. Wade?
- National Abortion Federation Hotline
Author: Stephanie Paz is a Tigua Indian of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Texas at El Paso and is working towards a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Promotion from New Mexico State University.
