61 Years of Medicaid: Pregnant Patients and Rural Communities Suffer from Sweeping Health Care Cuts Under Trump and Republican Lawmakers

Labor and delivery units are closing their doors leaving families vulnerable

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today marks the 61st anniversary of Medicaid being signed into law. The program is a lifeline for pregnant patients, working families, and rural communities across the country who need comprehensive health care — including reproductive care. Despite Medicaid’s critical role in making health care accessible to millions of Americans, the Trump administration gutted funding for the program. As a result, rural hospitals are shutting down at record rates and labor and delivery units are closing their doors, putting women and families at greater risk in communities already facing severe health care disparities.

Not only have Republicans weakened our health care system, and cut vital programs like Medicaid, but Republicans in Congress are passing policies that drive up costs for everyday Americans. Notably, polling shows that Americans in the battleground overwhelmingly oppose cuts to Medicaid and nearly 70% of Americans in the battleground support access to Medicaid. 

More than 74 million Americans rely on Medicaid for health care, including essential reproductive health services like birth control, wellness exams, STI tests and treatment, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and more. The program provides coverage for nearly 1 in 4 rural residents, including 23.3% of women of childbearing age living in rural areas. Medicaid covers nearly half of all rural births and provides essential financial stability to the hospitals and clinics that rural areas rely on to access care.

To mark the anniversary of Medicaid and spotlight dangers of nationwide health care cuts, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement:

“Republican Medicaid cuts are forcing hospitals to close their doors, leaving Americans across the country vulnerable and without access to the care they need. Let’s be clear, forcing pregnant patients to jump through hurdles and travel hours for essential care is dangerous and deadly. Republican lawmakers are fueling a health care crisis, and families across the country will continue to suffer the consequences.”   

Bottomline: Cuts to Medicaid have already resulted in hospital closures and reduced access to all types of care, proving catastrophic—especially for people living in rural communities. Further attacks on health care access and affordability will only lead to even more dangerous outcomes for patients seeking reproductive care nationwide.

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If you are interested in speaking with patients, physicians, or advocates about their experience with Medicaid or accessing reproductive care, please contact malachi@freeandjust.us. See bios below:

ICYMI: U.S. District Court Judge Rejects Baseless Restrictions on Medication Abortion Amid Ongoing Extremist Efforts to Ban Access Nationwide

Court notes restrictions on care are “arbitrary and capricious”

WASHINGTON, DC –– On Friday, a U.S. district judge in Virginia rejected baseless restrictions on access to medication abortion, ordering the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider their ongoing attacks on safe and effective medication. This is only the latest turn in a relentless tug-of-war over access to the most popular form of abortion care nationwide, sowing confusion for the patients who depend on this medication and the providers working to prescribe it. 

Abortion medication is currently used in nearly two-thirds of abortions across the country; restricting access to medication abortion could eliminate care for 64.5 million people. While medication abortion remains available today, patients and providers are forced to navigate a complex and ever-changing legal landscape as extremists continue efforts to chip away at access to care. 

Friday’s decision comes ahead of oral arguments scheduled for September in Louisiana v. FDA, a  Fifth Circuit case where the court will weigh whether to reinstate old FDA restrictions blocking patients from getting mifepristone by mail or from a pharmacy. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused a ruling from the Fifth Circuit in the same case that sought to prohibit patients from receiving abortion medication by mail or at a pharmacy after being prescribed the pill through telemedicine. The Supreme Court’s decision temporarily preserved access to mifepristone. 

Punting the case back to the Fifth Circuit not only leaves the door open for another unfavorable ruling on mifepristone, but also gives cover to anti-abortion extremist politicians just months before the midterms. 

Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just, released the following statement spotlighting the ongoing fight to protect access to medication abortion:

“This ruling is a clear win, but it shouldn't have taken a court to state the obvious: medication abortion is safe, effective, and trusted by millions. Judge Ballou saw these restrictions for exactly what they are: 'arbitrary,' 'capricious,' and driven by extremism and pseudo-science rather than medicine. Yet every single day, anti-abortion extremists force patients and providers to navigate a maze of new obstacles designed to put essential care out of reach. We will keep fighting until access to medication abortion is protected for good — not just until the next attack.” 

If you are interested in speaking with patients, physicians, or advocates about their experience receiving or providing abortion care, please contact malachi@freeandjust.us.

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

BREAKING: Anti-Abortion Extremist Todd Blanche “Absolutely” Commits to Weaponizing Department of Justice to Ban Medication Abortion

Blanche confirms plans to rip access to care from more than 64.5 million people

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today, during a confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate, the Trump Administration's nominee to serve as Attorney General, Todd Blanche, pledged to weaponize the Department of Justice to ban access to medication abortion through the mail. Medication abortion is safe and effective and was approved by the FDA more than 25 years ago. Blanche’s vow comes amid mounting pressure from extremist groups and anti-abortion lawmakers eager to ban medication abortion nationwide — even in states where it is currently legally protected.

Abortion medication is currently used in nearly two-thirds of abortions across the country; restricting access to medication abortion could eliminate care for 64.5 million people.In May, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ May 1 ruling that prohibited patients from receiving abortion medication by mail or at a pharmacy after receiving care through telemedicine. While medication abortion remains available, extremists continue to plot vicious new ways to strip access to care. Meanwhile, patients and providers are forced to navigate a complex and ever-changing legal landscape.

In response to today’s hearing and Blanche’s nomination, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement:

“Todd Blanche just said the quiet part out loud: The Trump administration plans to weaponize federal agencies to ban abortion nationwide – even in states where it’s currently protected. Medication abortion is safe and effective, and these attacks are motivated solely by politics not science. The last thing Americans want or need is an Attorney General who will roll back our rights even further.”   

If you are interested in speaking with patients, physicians, or advocates about their experience receiving medication abortion care, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us.

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

ICYMI: Four Years After Deadly Dobbs Decision, Data Reinforces that Abortion Bans Are Killing Women

Anti-abortion extremists want to ban abortion nationwide — no matter the cost

WASHINGTON, DC  ––  Last week marked four years since the deadly Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade and ripped abortion access away from millions of Americans. Patients across the country are still navigating and confusing landscapes to access reproductive care. Since 2022, multiple women have died leaving behind children, spouses, parents, and siblings. These deaths should have been the breaking point. Instead, this year's research reveals how deeply abortion restrictions harm patients and how far extremists will go to ban abortion nationwide.

Bottomline: Abortion bans are jeopardizing the lives of millions of patients across the country. Anti-abortion extremists and lawmakers are relentless in their crusade to ban abortion nationwide — no matter the cost .   

Here are some of the latest studies from the first half of 2026, laying bare the bleak reality of accessing abortion care in America today:

• Protecting abortion access is still popular with Americans across the political spectrum, and yet, anti-abortion extremists and lawmakers continue to ignore what most Americans want. According to the latest data by Navigator Research, a majority of Americans continue to believe that abortion should be legal in most cases and that lawmakers who support anti-abortion policies, including banning or restricting contraception and abortion nationally, are dealbreakers.

• New research from The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) examined how state-level total abortion bans affect abortion-adjacent care and patient outcomes. The study found that bans carry broad downstream consequences for medical care well beyond abortion itself, shifting physicians' decision-making away from patient-centered care toward legal risk mitigation, with troubling implications for patient safety, equity, and medical ethics.  

• JAMA also released a study confirming that for the past 12 years, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decisions on medication abortion have been based on science alone. Drawing on more than 5,000 pages of internal memos, emails, and other documents, the study shows that the FDA has repeatedly evaluated new evidence on mifepristone – an abortion medication – and determined again, and again, that the drug is safe. Yet, political attacks on accessing medication abortion are relentless. Under the Trump administration, the FDA has agreed to investigate the drug's safety despite the existing evidence. 

  • Medication abortion currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of abortions nationwide. According to research from Reproductive Freedom for All, restricting access to medication abortion could eliminate care for 64.5 million people across the country.

  • According to survey data from KFF, most Americans oppose policies designed to restrict access to medication abortion.
    

• The Institute for Women’s Policy Research released a fact sheet finding that abortion restrictions threaten both reproductive and economic justice by jeopardizing women’s ability to plan for their families and futures, as well as to fully participate in the workforce and build economic security. The latest estimates show that states with the most restrictive abortion policies could cost the national economy nearly $68 billion annually in lost earnings.

• The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center released data spotlighting how pregnant women are dying at higher rates in states with abortion bans. The study concludes that further restrictions on abortion may result in higher maternal deaths across the country.

• The Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins University released data highlighting the same point. Their latest research cites a 9.2% increase in pregnancy-associated deaths — an estimated 68 excess deaths by the end of 2023 in states where abortion is banned. The study found that stripping abortion care and reproductive freedom will greatly undermine any progress towards addressing the U.S. maternal mortality crisis.

• Analysis highlighting how attacks on healthcare for transgender people and abortion are inextricably linked. Being able to access abortion and transition-related healthcare are both rooted in a broader political movement to restrict bodily autonomy and strip away freedom. Opponents of both forms of necessary, life-saving care have used parallel playbooks and legal precedents to attack both forms of care.

The stakes have never been higher for women and patients nationwide. From weaponizing federal agencies to rolling back access to medication abortion, which could leave as many as 64.5 million people across the country without access to care, to sneaking new national abortion restrictions into critical health care legislation – the consequences of attacks on reproductive freedom are deadly. 

Last week, Free & Just brought more than 150 patient storytellers, health care providers, and abortion rights advocates to Washington, DC for Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill.Advocates from more than 35 states, including families of loved ones killed by abortion bans, met with members of Congress to highlight why protecting abortion access remains a priority. If you are interested in connecting with patients, providers, or advocates about the deadly cost of abortion bans or last week’s Abortion Stories on the Hill, please contact Malachi White (malachi@freeandjust.us). 

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On Fourth Anniversary of Deadly Dobbs Decision, 150+ Abortion Patients, Providers, and Advocates Share Their Stories on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, DC ––  Today, more than 150 patient storytellers, health care providers, and advocates from 35 states joined Free & Just in Washington, DC to mark the fourth anniversary of the deadly Dobbs decision, which eliminated access to abortion for millions of people nationwide. Advocates met with lawmakers and staff from more than 60 offices across the Hill to share how attacks on abortion and reproductive freedom continue to harm women, families, and communities.

Free & Just: Abortion Stories on the Hill brought storytellers to the nation's capital to put a human face on the cost of abortion bans.Every day, anti-abortion extremists launch new attacks on access to reproductive care, including medication abortion, forcing patients and providers to navigate a complex and ever-changing legal landscape.

In addition to meeting with lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill, Free & Just advocates participated in several high-profile events with leading members  of the House and Senate. 

On Tuesday, June 23, Free & Just storytellers Samantha Casiano and Kaitlyn Kash participated in a spotlight forum hosted by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), where they shared how being denied abortion care after Dobbs upended their lives and harmed their families. They called outlawmakers pushing new restrictions on women’s health care and a national abortion ban. 

This morning, Free & Just storyteller Shanette Williams joined House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and the Reproductive Freedom Caucus for a press event  highlighting the impacts of abortion bans in states like Georgia, where Amber Thurman was denied lifesaving emergency care. 

Later, Free & Just storytellers Amanda Zurawski and April Newkirk joined Senate Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) for a press event sharing their abortion stories and underscore the importance of defending reproductive freedom for patients nationwide.

“Anti-abortion extremists were never going to stop at overturning Roe v. Wade, and every day, we face dangerous new attacks on our freedom. The truth is that four years after Dobbs, protecting abortion access is still popular with Americans across the political spectrum,” said Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just. “Free & Just is proud to join so many brave storytellers on Capitol Hill, and to make clear that we’re not going anywhere. We will continue to stand up to attacks on our freedom, and demand that everyone hear these stories.” 

Interested in connecting with storytellers who participated in the event or accessing footage from Abortion Stories on the Hill?

Please complete this media request form and we will be in touch to coordinate. 

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

On Fourth Anniversary of Deadly Dobbs Decision, 150+ Patient Advocates from Across the Country Travel to Washington, DC for Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill

WASHINGTON, DC –– This June, to mark the fourth anniversary of the deadly Dobbs decision which eliminated access to abortion for millions of people nationwide, Free & Just will bring more than 150 patient storytellers, health care providers, and abortion rights advocates to Washington, DC for Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill. Every day, extremists launch new attacks on access to all types of reproductive care, including medication abortion, forcing patients and providers to navigate a complex and ever-changing legal landscape.

Advocates from more than 35 states across the country, including high-profile patient storytellers like Amanda Zurawski, and USA Today’s 2025 Women of the Year honoree, Hadley Duvall, and families of loved ones killed by abortion bans will meet with members of Congress to share how attacks on abortion and reproductive freedom continue to harm women, families, and their communities and highlight why protecting abortion access remains a priority for millions of Americans. 

Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill will feature storytellers and health care providers living on the frontlines of attacks on reproductive freedom in states like Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Missouri. Some participants have experience sharing their stories publicly, but many will be sharing their stories for the first time. 

“Extremists were never going to stop at overturning Roe, and four years after the deadly Dobbs decision, they are working overtime to ban abortion everywhere – even in states where it is currently protected,” said Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just. “From appointing to dangerous extremists to lead important federal agencies, to stacking our courts with radical anti-abortion judges and weaponizing federal power to limit access to lifesaving care, attacks on our freedom are mounting. Free & Just is honored to partner with courageous storytellers to mark the anniversary of the deadly Dobbs decision and expose the deadly cost of abortion bans and attacks on reproductive freedom.”

Four years after the deadly Dobbs decision, women and men affected by attacks on our freedom are standing up to extremists, and highlighting the reality of what’s really at stake. 

For more information about Free & Just’s Abortion Stories on the Hill and opportunities to connect with storytellers visit https://www.freeandjust.us/abortion-stories-on-the-hill, or contact kelly@freeandjust.us. 

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

BREAKING: SCOTUS Gives Anti-Abortion Extremists Cover Just Months Before Midterms

Medication abortion to remain available via telehealth and mail (for now)  

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today, the US Supreme Court temporarily paused the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ May 1 ruling that prohibited patients from receiving abortion medication by mail or at a pharmacy after receiving care through telemedicine. While medication abortion remains available for now, extremists continue to plot vicious new attacks on reproductive freedom in hopes of banning abortion nationally. Meanwhile, patients and providers must continue to navigate a complex and ever-changing legal landscape.

In response to today’s decision, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement:

“While medication abortion is still available for now, anti-abortion extremists remain hellbent on banning abortion nationwide –– even in states where it is currently protected. Lawmakers eager to avoid talking about abortion before November may be breathing a sigh of relief tonight, but we know what’s really at stake and will continue to stand up to attacks on our freedom.”

If you are interested in speaking with patients, physicians, or advocates about the implications of today’s SCOTUS action, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us.

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Mini Timmaraju, Patients, and Providers Respond to Latest in Plot to Ban Medication Abortion

WATCH HERE

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO, Reproductive Freedom for All, joined Free & Just, patients and legal experts to discuss the latest in Louisiana v. FDA, the largest threat to abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned. 

On May 11, the US Supreme Court extended the administrative stay issued on May 4, temporarily restoring access to mifepristone. The Court’s administrative stay ends Thursday, May 14 at 5pm ET, when the Court could make a ruling on whether the in-person dispensing requirements can be reimposed while the case proceeds. Right now, access to care for more than 64.5 million people across the country hangs in the balance as judges and politicians work to ban abortion nationwide. 

“Louisiana’s attempt to reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement for abortion medication is not about safety –– it’s about limiting access to the reproductive health care that patients need, when they need it,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who chairs the Abortion Rights and Access Task Force of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “I almost died in childbirth when I developed placenta previa, and I was grateful that my doctor could make the decision that she felt was necessary at that moment – without fear of prosecution. Today, my daughter and millions of others do not have that peace of mind.”

“Republican lawmakers know this is a losing issue for them, and it seems they’re only accountable to anti-abortion extremist groups –– not their own constituents, the majority of whom support legal access to abortion,” said Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All. “This administration wants it both ways – they want to cater to extremists, but they don’t want to be caught doing it.”

“When I traveled to Washington to get the care I needed after Idaho’s trigger ban was put in place, I received abortion medications to induce labor, which is common in situations like mine,” said Kayla Smith, who moved her family from Idaho to Washington after being forced to flee the state for lifesaving abortion care. “We know that these medications are safe and everyone who needs them should have access. Denying access to medication abortion via mail is completely unnecessary, asinine, and will only make things worse for women and patients across the country — including in states like Washington.” 

“For some reason, women’s health is inherently political in this country. Politicians are acting as if they know more about practicing medicine than health care providers — but they don’t,” said Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an OB/GYN and advocate from Wisconsin. “Mifepristone is safe and it is effective. It has a 25 year track record in this country and has been more studied than most medications on the market. When somebody is telling you otherwise, they are not following science, they are following a political agenda.”

If you are interested in speaking with any of the participants in the press event, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us. 

You can watch the virtual press event here, and learn more about how Republican officials plan to restrict reproductive freedom here.

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

BREAKING: SCOTUS Punts Decision on Medication Abortion as Millions of Patients and Providers Hold Their Breath

Louisiana v. FDA could ban medication abortion even in states where it is legal and protected 

WASHINGTON, DC –– Today, the US Supreme Court extended the administrative stay issued in Louisiana v. FDA on May 4 which temporarily restores access to the abortion medication, mifepristone. The Court’s administrative stay ends Thursday, May 14 at 5pm ET, when the Court could make a ruling on whether the in-person dispensing requirements can be reimposed while the case continues to sow chaos and uncertainty for women and families across the country.

Abortion medication currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of abortions across the country; banning access to medication abortion could eliminate care for 64.5 million people across the country. The news comes amid mounting pressure from extremist groups and Republican lawmakers eager to ban medication abortion nationwide – even in states where it is currently legally protected. 

In response to ongoing attacks on access to medication abortion, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement:

“Today’s Supreme Court order extending the administrative stay in FDA v. Louisiana leaves millions of patients and health care providers across the country in limbo. But it doesn’t change the truth: medication abortion is safe, and the politically motivated campaign to restrict it puts every American’s health at risk. Free & Just will keep uplifting the stories of women, patients, and providers paying the price for these deadly abortion bans.” 

On Tuesday, May 12 at 10am ET, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Dr. Kristin Lyerly will join Free & Just, patients, and legal experts to discuss the latest in Louisiana v. FDA, the largest threat to abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned. 

Register to attend the Zoom event (Registration required).

If you are interested in speaking with patient and physician storytellers about the impacts of abortion bans and restricting access to medication abortion, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us and malachi@freeandjust.us.  

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.

Anti-Abortion Extremists are Manipulating the Courts to Ban Abortion Medication Nationwide for Millions of Women & Patients

WASHINGTON, DC –– Last Friday, the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals granted the state of Louisiana’s request to reinstate an outdated restriction that abortion medication only be dispensed in person. This ban revoked the distribution of abortion medication via telehealth or mail. Today, the Supreme Court of the United States temporarily restored access to ban on medication abortion. This administrative stay will temporarily restore access until Monday, May 11th, while the Court reviews the emergency appeals. 

The news comes amid mounting pressure from extremist groups and anti-abortion activists eager to ban medication abortion nationwide – even in states where it is currently legally protected. Abortion medication currently accounts for nearly two-thirds of abortions across the country; restricting access to medication abortion could eliminate care for 64.5 million people across the country. 

Survey data released in December 2025 shows that while most Americans are unaware of looming attacks on medication abortion, a majority oppose policies designed to restrict access to medication abortion. 

In response to the latest attacks on access to medication abortion, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement:

“No matter the specifics of the ruling, one fact remains: Mifepristone has been recognized as safe and effective since the FDA approved it more than 25 years ago, and it has continued to be safe and effective for millions who have used it for abortion care and miscarriage management. Right now, we are witnessing attacks on abortion from all levels of government, with the ultimate goal of banning abortion nationwide. This ruling is just another attempt to restrict access to abortion and sow chaos, delay care, and scare patients. Even in states where abortion is legal and protected, the court has stripped away women’s ability to access telehealth that has been used safely for years. Women and patients across the country deserve to have access to abortion care, and Free & Just remains dedicated to telling their stories.” 

Bottomline: Despite over twenty years of evidence-based research confirming that mifepristone is safe and effective, anti-abortion extremists are using every tool at their disposal to weaponize our democratic institutions to ban abortion nationwide. 

Free & Just is committed to fighting for reproductive freedom. Join us in sharing stories, raising voices, and securing our future. 

If you are interested in speaking with patient and physician storytellers about the impacts of abortion bans and restricting access to medication abortion, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us and malachi@freeandjust.us.  

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.