It’s been a big year for the folks involved with Boston Abortion Support Collective (BASC). We’ve officially changed our name, and recently held our first volunteer retreat after a new volunteer training. Through the years, we’ve organized five abortion support trainings for volunteers, nurtured relationships with Boston-area abortion providers, presented at multiple reproductive justice conferences, undergone a (pretty f’n successful) leadership shift to a collective that prioritizes people of color and other marginalized folks, not to mention: supported a bunch of people who have had abortions. Personally, the clients who I’ve worked with through BASC include survivors of abuse, immigrants without local family or support, folks traveling to Boston from far reaches of New England to get adequate medical care in complicated cases, and many people who literally just can’t get a ride home from a friend or partner.

A little known fact is that when somebody needs anesthesia for an abortion, clinics require a companion to show up at the beginning of the appointment, even if they do not accompany the patient in the procedure room, or else the patient is not allowed to get an abortion. This is true across all clinics in the area, and is one of the most common reasons for support calls we get. Raising funds for BASC will seriously help us formalize a ride support program, so we can make sure that everybody in need has accompaniment for their appointments and can access the healthcare they deserve.

Even a small donation can help us defray the cost of sending a volunteer to accompany someone for a safe ride home. Thanks for reading, for considering making a donation, for being a part of my life and making this work possible for the folks who are doing it!