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Chicago Abortion Fund

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Chicago Abortion Fund
Founded1985
Type501(c)(3)
36-3451293
FocusAbortion access and wrap-around support
HeadquartersChicago, IL
Area served
Midwestern United States
Executive Director
Megan Jeyifo
Revenue (2023)
$5,250,000 USD
Expenses (2023)$4,830,000 USD
Websitehttps://chicagoabortionfund.org/

The Chicago Abortion Fund (known colloquially as CAF) is a non-profit organization which aims to advance reproductive autonomy and justice for everyone by providing financial, logistical, and emotional support to people seeking abortion services, and by building collective power and fostering partnerships for political and cultural change.[1] This organization is affiliated with the National Network of Abortion Funds.

History

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CAF was founded in October 1985 by a coalition of reproductive rights organizations and leaders, in response to the decline of federal funding for abortions due to the 1976 Hyde Amendment.[2]

Services and Support

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CAF provides comprehensive support for individuals seeking abortion services. The organization's largest program is its helpline, which provides assistance with appointment costs and wrap-around supports to callers seeking abortion care in the fund's service area.[3] In the year following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, CAF fielded over 10,000 support requests from over 40 states.[4] During the June 2023 fiscal year, the organization distributed $3,146,394 in grants to individuals.[5]

In addition to paying for medical costs, CAF also offers wrap-around support, including meal and gas stipends; transportation costs; lodging; childcare; and other necessities.[6]

Activism and outreach

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Crowd protesting, wearing pink and holding a large pink banner stating, "Stand with Planned Parenthood."
Protesting Trump's Imposition of the So-Called Gag Rule on Women's Healthcare Providers, Chicago, Illinois.

In addition to the helpline, CAF also engages in activism and outreach through its legislative and movement building programs.

In October 1996, Chicago Abortion Fund formed African American Women Evolving (AAWE). This group was later renamed as Black Women For Reproductive Justice (BWRJ).

In March 2008, Chicago Abortion Fund started a public access television show called The A Word featured on television channel CAN-TV 21 and YouTube.[7] The program's hosts discuss reproductive health and answer questions from viewers.

On January 22, 2009, Chicago Abortion Fund hosted a rally and march celebrating the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. This event took place in Chicago, Illinois, at Federal Plaza. The poster for this event is shown in the photo above.

In March 2011, Chicago Abortion Fund released a public statement against a billboard placed on the south side of Chicago by Life Always.[8] Chicago Abortion Fund's former executive director, Gaylon Alcaraz, appeared on NBC Chicago during a community protest against the billboard.[9]

On April 21, 2012, Chicago Abortion Fund hosted its fourth annual bowl-a-thon event.[10] Proceeds from this event supported the Chicago Abortion Fund.

On May 30, 2012, Gaylon Alcaraz appeared on CAN TV21 to discuss women of color in the reproductive rights movement and answer questions from public viewers. This program was available to television viewers as well as viewers on the internet, who viewed the program via livestream.

On January 19, 2013, Chicago Abortion Fund was mentioned on the television program Melissa Harris-Perry.[11]

It also sometimes moves away from simply staking ground that says, 'Part of what we do is provide abortions, abortions are a protected medical procedure that are between her doctor and a woman and that's what we provide here.' You look at things like the Chicago Abortion Fund, and other abortion funds, that not only say that, but say, 'Hey, and if you can't afford it...'

— Melissa Harris-Perry, Melissa Harris-Perry, Jan 19, 2013

On January 22, 2013, Brittany Mostiller and Gaylon Alcaraz were quoted by Ebony magazine.[12] Mostiller is a former grantee of Chicago Abortion Fund and Alcaraz is CAF's executive director. The article was titled "Roe v. Wade at 40: What Keeps Black Women from Going Public with Our Stories?"

In 2015, former deputy director and My Voice, My Choice leadership group member Brittany Mostiller Keith transitioned into her new role as executive director.[13]

In 2024 the Chicago Abortion Fund donated funds to Family Planning Associates in hopes of continuing abortion support in the Chicago area after the overturning of Roe v Wade.[14]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Mission". Chicago Abortion Fund. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  2. ^ Daniel, Meghan; de Leon, Cedric (December 2020). "Leadership Succession in Intersectional Mobilization: An Analysis of the Chicago Abortion Fund, 1985–2015*". Mobilization: An International Quarterly. 25 (4): 461–474.
  3. ^ "Every Caller, Every Need: A Year Since Dobbs". Chicago Abortion Fund. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  4. ^ "Every Caller, Every Need: A Year Since Dobbs". Chicago Abortion Fund. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  5. ^ Roberts, Andrea Suozzo, Alec Glassford, Ash Ngu, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Chicago Abortion Fund, Full Filing - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2024-11-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ "Every Caller, Every Need: A Year Since Dobbs". Chicago Abortion Fund. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  7. ^ "Chicago Abortion Fund - The A Word". YouTube. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  8. ^ Grant, Melissa. "Chicago Abortion Fund: Anti-Choice Billboards Shame Black Women". Third Wave Foundation. Archived from the original on 1 February 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  9. ^ Balde, Lisa (28 March 2011). "Anti-Abortion Billboards Arrive in Chicago". NBC Chicago. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  10. ^ "Chicago Abortion Fund Event Page". NNAF. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  11. ^ "Melissa Harris-Perry Show, Jan 19". NBC News. Archived from the original on February 2, 2013.
  12. ^ McClain, Dani (22 July 2016). "Roe v. Wade at 40: What Keeps Black Women from Going Public with Our Stories?". Ebony.
  13. ^ Levi, Ryan; Gorenstein, Dan (July 25, 2022). "The role of independent funds to help people access abortion is growing". NPR. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  14. ^ Karlis, Nicole. July 5, 2024. "'Scarcity mindset': As reproductive rights are eroded, abortion funds are running out of money. Salon. https://www.salon.com/2024/07/05/scarcity-mindset-as-reproductive-rights-are-eroded-abortion-funds-are-running-out-of-money/
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