Traveling for Abortions: New York Times Letter to the Editor

Re “Texas Proves Abortion Ban Exemptions Are a Sham,” by Michelle Goldberg (column, Dec. 13):

As Ms. Goldberg makes clear, the case of Kate Cox shows that even exemptions to abortion bans are a fraud, and extreme policies like these are dangerous for people’s safety. Not only does the state’s hard-line approach to abortion create inhumane circumstances, but it also forces people to travel for care — as Kate did. That means an even greater need for practical support organizations, which help people with the transportation, child care, lodging and any additional assistance they need to access care.

Kate’s situation was particularly dire and was rightfully given a lot of national attention, but thousands of people every single day need to travel long distances for abortion care for myriad reasons.

As The Times recently reported, despite a cascade of abortion bans that have taken effect since Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortions actually increased slightly, in part because of broader access to telemedicine and mail-order abortion pills, but also because the simple fact is: When clinics close, people will travel.

That is why practical support organizations, which help people get to and from the clinic with safety and dignity, need support now more than ever. As situations like these and thousands of others show, people will need to travel for care until abortion is available and affordable everywhere.

Marisa Falcon

“Travelling for Abortions” Letter to the Editor: The New York Times