I Need a Safe and Legal Abortion

I am rarely this vulnerable in public but I need help... and I suppose the personal is political. I'm pregnant! And I'm getting an abortion next week! My and I are incredibly sad about this decision but know it's not the right time for a child - largely because I have been diagnosed with severe complex PTSD, severe anxiety, and severe depression and am currently on medical leave from my graduate MSW degree. While abortion is a less expensive alternative to raising a human, it comes with a pretty steep upfront cost. Because I'm not in school, I do not qualify for student loans, and I have two jobs to pay for living expenses, replacing my two teeth that I'm missing from my bike accident over the summer, and the $175/week in copays for intensive outpatient therapy (which is $700/month). Josh works full time at Urban Chestnut using his body for labor that he is not compensated nearly enough for, especially considering how much money they charge for beer and how the brewery affects neighborhood rent prices. 

Because of abortion regulation laws in Missouri and Illinois, I am not able to use my medical insurance to offset any costs and I have limited time to get this procedure done because these states have limited abortion access to 21 and 26 weeks respectively. Because of these restrictions and my medical limitations at this time, it is urgent that I get this procedure done as quickly as possible. I have been granted $135 from the National Abortion Federation, but I need more money for this medical procedure. So, I'm turning to my community. This is a safe, legal, and lifesaving medical procedure. Please consider donating to support me - anything is helpful to offset this unanticipated cost. If you would prefer Venmo, that is also an option, just let me know. Please don't feel obligated to donate more than you are able - and know that a little goes a long way. 

If you are not willing or able to donate money, that is totally okay! Please consider donating in the future to abortion providers (there are so many more than just Planned Parenthood - look up your local family planning clinics for more information), abortion access funds, or any organization you feel connected to. I also accept messages and thoughts and hugs - that goes a long way too! Please only send me love, support, and light. I am not interested in debates and any contact with anything other than love, support, and light will not be responded to.

I am incredibly privileged to know that no matter what, I will get this abortion. There are folx who cannot make this choice - not because they don't want one, but because they're blocked access from obtaining a procedure they have the right to. Lobby your legislators, vote, and spare what you can for this world, especially for people of color, trans and non binary folx, gay and bi folx, women, nonneurotypical people, people living with HIV, people with a disability, refugees, Muslims, survivors, fat people, criminally involved people, anyone living at the margins. I can't wait to raise a human in a world where all that exists. In the meantime, I'm working on getting stronger, healthier, and happier so that I can be a mom. Thank you in advance and please trust that I will pay it forward. Thank you especially to our families and friends who have already offered emotional support and shared your abortion stories with us. I'm forever with you. Blessed be and love to you.