If you’re looking for concrete ways to show solidarity with International Women’s Day or throughout Women’s History Month, consider making a donation or fundraising for Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project (RRFP).
Founded in 2004, RRFP’s mission is to further reproductive justice by providing financial and practical support for individuals seeking abortions. The grassroots organization helped its first client almost entirely with spare change, collected by its founding members, but has since grown to an annual operating budget of $40,000 used to fund abortions across the Commonwealth and nearby communities.
This year’s fundraising season, known as the Bowl-A-Thon, has already begun and will continue through April 30. The Bowl-A-Thon funds nearly all of RRFP’s work so community support is of critical importance.
The groups logo (top image) uses stars on the map to represents an individual helped by RRFP.
While making a donation is the easiest way to help, RRFP has a variety of exciting and fun events scheduled this year such as Shop for a Cause at Rumors Boutique this Sunday March 12, a show at My Noodle and Bar on Thursday March 30, and a Craft Fair on Saturday April 8 at Rag and Bones.
For those truly passionate about reproductive justice, RRFP is still seeking fundraisers for this season. Fundraising is easiest done in teams and can be as simple as a one hour commitment per week to sending personal ask emails or as festive as hosting parties, putting on shows, or selling merchandise.
If you are interested in fundraising or are already fundraising but need additional support/information, join RRFP for their Mid-Season Check In on Sunday March 19 from 6-8 pm at AMF Sunset Lanes at 6540 W. Broad St..
In addition to the $3 games, PBRs and shoe rentals provided by the venue, RRFP will have a 50/50 raffle and experienced fundraisers on hand to answer questions, offer advice and be your personal cheerleaders.
RRFP’s work is vital in helping those most impacted by a political climate which has become increasingly hostile to reproductive access.
Medically unnecessary regulations and restrictions on abortion such as the mandatory 24-hour waiting period have created financial and practical obstacles to abortion access. Without access, there is no real choice. To quote John Oliver “abortion cannot just be theoretically legal, it has to be literally accessible.”
These regulations create hidden costs in addition to the actual abortion procedure (which averages $451 in the first trimester) such as transportation, childcare and lodging. Contrary to anti-choice propaganda, tax payer money is not used to fund abortions due to the 1976 Hyde Amendment nor is abortion covered by private insurance.
According to NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, there are more restrictions on abortion providers today than in 1973 when Roe v. Wade was decided. Minorities, rural residents and lower income individuals are those most negatively affected by these obstacles. RRFP seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical legality and actual access to abortion by granting funds and providing other practical support such as transportation.
So, if you’re horrified (as you should be) by the increasing stigmatization and Draconian regulation of one of the safest medical procedures , take a stand and get involved with Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project today either by donating, volunteering, participating in events or becoming a fundraisers yourself.
For more information, check out RRFP on Facebook or Instagram.
