Fund Texas Choice: Providing Practical Support for Abortion Access in Texas
Fund Texas Choice (formerly Fund Texas Women) is a non-profit organization that pays for Texans’ travel to abortion clinics. We were formed in response to the passage of Texas House Bill 2, which closed nearly 75% of over 40 Texan clinics in 2013 and 2014. The closures were primarily in rural and low-income areas of the state, necessitating cost-prohibitive, time-wasting, and geographically-difficult travel for groups already facing financial obstacles to abortion.
The Evolution of Legislative Barriers
In the summer of 2016, the Supreme Court dismantled HB2, but our work was far from finished. The legislation did its damage; and most of the clinics closed by HB2 have not reopened. When Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB8) – erroneously known as the “heartbeat bill” – went into effect on September 1, 2021, the barriers to abortion access became even more challenging than ever. Abortion care was already difficult to access; SB8 exacerbated access for Texans.
The harm inflicted by SB8 provided only a terrifying glimpse into the future as the Supreme Court released its devastating decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case nine months later. This polarizing decision decimated the federal protections of Roe v. Wade and instigated ripple effects across the entire country – with Texas being at the center of the national fight for human rights and bodily autonomy.
Our Mission and Practical Support
Fund Texas Choice envisions a society in which abortion is embraced as healthcare and as a human right. We believe abortion must be equitably accessible across political, economic, and social systems so that people have autonomous bodies and futures supported by powerful, vibrant communities. For over a decade, Fund Texas Choice has helped Texans equitably access abortion through safe, confidential, and comprehensive travel services and practical support.
Fund Texas Choice experienced an overwhelming surge in hotline calls from all over the state, with 99% of our callers needing to travel outside of Texas to access their healthcare. In addition to travel expenses, abortion seekers leaving Texas faced the compounded effects of mandatory waiting periods in neighboring states ranging from 24-72 hours and increased wait times for appointments at over-capacity clinics.
Impact and Operational Data
The following data highlights the scale of the logistical challenges faced by Texans seeking reproductive care:
| Metric | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Total miles Texans traveled for abortion access in 2024 | 2,016,414 miles |
| Callers needing out-of-state travel support | 99% |
| Mandatory waiting periods in neighboring states | 24-72 hours |
Community Action: The Texas Abortion Hype Squad
You’ve found the Texas Abortion Hype Squad. With support from Lilith Fund, Hype Squad members spread the word about how Texans can access abortion, breaking down barriers pregnant people face in accessing abortion care. Being part of Hype Squad means skilling up and learning how to show up for each other, even in these difficult times.
Training and skill building opportunities include:
- Learning the realities of abortion access in Texas.
- Practicing how to talk about abortion clearly, safely, and compassionately.
- Exploring how the skills and talents you already have can expand abortion access.
Community action and support efforts focus on:
- Canvassing to keep folks in the loop and ready to take action for abortion rights in Texas.
- Answering questions about abortion access in your community.
- Taking creative action to break down barriers and stigma about abortion.
Practical support funds, like Fund Texas Choice, and abortion funds are uniquely positioned to lead in this moment. We fund Texans who need transportation and other practical support for out-of-state abortion care. One thing we have learned is that the courts will not keep us safe—only we keep each other safe and informed.