Fund Spotlight

As we all probably now know, the United States House of Representatives passed their version of health care reform Saturday night. In order to get the bill passed, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi sacrificed women by allowing an amendment banning the purchase of health insurance that has abortion coverage for those using the public option - even when using private money, such as money generated from premiums. Watching the health care reform debate and the frustrating vote of the Stupak Amendment this weekend made me think of the struggles many women face (and that many more could face) with trying to quickly pay for an abortion. We know that with the Hyde Amendment still in force, federal money cannot fund abortions. With this amendment added to the health care reform bill, now even private insurance coverage could now be in jeopardy.

While we know we cannot count on government support of women in some of the most trying and difficult times of their lives, there are people out there that do their best to fill that void. These people run and work for abortion funds - the small local and national groups throughout the country that low-income women can call to get some help with paying for their abortions.

In this blog post, I would like to spotlight the CAIR (Community Abortion Information and Resource) Project. The CAIR Project is based in Seattle and serves women from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. In addition to funding assistance the CAIR Project also has information and resources on getting Medicaid funds (where that's available) as well as finding a provider. Funds like the CAIR Project are struggling to keep up with the demand for their help now, so imagine how hard it could be if the healthcare reform bill, as it stands right now, becomes law. Please help abortion funds like the CAIR Project in any way you can.