Impact
ACCESS RJ is celebrating 30 years of fighting for reproductive justice and funding abortion! Learn about our impact in 2023. Download the full report here.
Our Impact in 2023
Supporting Callers Post-Roe
Anticipating an increase in caller support after the Dobbs decision, our Healthline team prepared to meet the moment by restructuring into two teams: Intake & Practical Support (PS). Along with the restructuring, 2023 was the first full year our Healthline operated with its largest paid, full-time staff — a small but mighty team of four.
The Healthline spent $167,000 on caller support in 2022 — thanks to receiving state funding for the first time in ACCESS’s history, we were able to more than QUADRUPLE the amount we have to spend on callers’ needs in 2023.
We supported more than 1,500 individuals across the state and country to access abortion care and other reproductive healthcare services — an increase of over 150% since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
ACCESS RJ supported:
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1,572
Callers Supported
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$788,401
Spent on Caller Support
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$412
Average Pledge
2023 Healthline Data
Caller Testimonials:
“It was so encouraging. I felt well cared for and listened to, didn’t feel like I needed to over-explain myself or why I needed help. This was already a high-stress situation, and it was a huge relief to feel supported both financially and with texts to check in on how I was doing.”
“I am extremely grateful for the support that I received. Not having to worry about the financial side of this experience was a blessing. Thank you for extending your helpful hand to us in other states with no reproductive rights. Thank you for fighting with us.”
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1,118
California Callers
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345
Out-of-State Callers
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28
States Supported
Volunteers in Full Bloom
Following the heightened influx of volunteers after the Dobbs decision and an increase in funding to support caller practical support needs, we took an intentional approach this year to enriching our volunteer network from the inside out. This year we engaged more with our volunteers through monthly resource workgroups to enhance trans/gender-affirming care, low-cost childcare providers, lactation and nutrition support and other vital resources to support reproductive justice needs of Californians.
In February 2023 we launched ACCESS Sibling Circle, a healing and networking space for people who have had abortions. Each month we host this space and offer past callers not only a safe space, but also information about paid storyteller opportunities, volunteer and community trainings offered, and a way to provide direct feedback to shape policy in real time.
In 2024 we will be opening ACCESS Sibling Circle statewide to Californians who have had abortions, stay tuned!
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125
Volunteers Statewide
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29
Cities Represented Statewide
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7
Languages Represented
New Faces
We are excited to share that the ACCESS RJ team has continued to expand in 2023 to support the growth of our organizational operations and to help us reach our communities.
This year we hired 3 new staff members:
- Director of Finance & Operations
- Development & Communications Manager
- Outreach & Education Coordinator
Advocating for ACCESS
ACCESS RJ reconvened it’s second year as part of the California Future of Abortion Council Steering Committee and the first year advocating for policy recommendations in the post-Dobbs era. Our team has been at the Capitol, at conferences, and in Zoom rooms fighting to build power and remove barriers to abortion for Californians.
Our legislative agenda offers guidance on how we can advance policy to build this future and achieve reproductive justice.
It is our hope that California policy makers implement our recommendations and partner with us to make the necessary changes so that our communities can have full autonomy to achieve reproductive, economic, political, and cultural freedom.
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10
Reproductive Rights Bills Passed