CT Mirror | Abortion providers need appreciation, protection, support

By Liz Gustafson and Cassie Lehr | Originally Published by the Connecticut Mirror

In this post-Dobbs era, those dedicated to reproductive freedom face mounting threats to their safety, livelihood, and ability to provide care. Thanks to an ever-shifting legal landscape and an anti-abortion federal administration, providers across the country are not only left to navigate legal chaos, but they are also becoming direct targets of political and personal attacks. 

On March 10 we recognized Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, a day to celebrate the bravery, compassion, and resilience of those who provide abortion care. While recognition is important, it is not enough. If we truly value these essential health care providers, we must fight to protect them.

Here in Connecticut, our legislature is presented with a critical opportunity to take bold, decisive action to safeguard abortion providers and expand access to care.

In anticipation of Roe v. Wade being overturned, Connecticut led the way in 2022, becoming the first state to pass a shield law to protect providers and patients from legal threats posed by anti-abortion extremists in other states. This law ensures that providers in Connecticut can care for out-of-state patients seeking safe, legal abortion services —without fear of prosecution from their patients’ home states.

Today, 19 states have enacted near-total abortion bans, leaving more than 25 million reproductive-age Americans without access to care. In 2023, the total number of patients who traveled to Connecticut for abortion care is estimated at 840, but countless others could not—barred by financial, logistical, or legal obstacles.

For those who cannot travel, medication abortion is a lifeline. It is safe, effective, and accessible, accounting for 63% of all U.S. abortions in 2023. Many patients receive medication abortion via telehealth, making it a crucial alternative for those who face travel barriers.

Yet, Connecticut’s shield law does not explicitly protect telehealth providers—leaving doctors who may want to help out-of-state patients unable to do so.

The solution? H.B. 7135, a bill that would strengthen Connecticut’s shield provisions law to ensure telemedicine abortion providers are protected. This provision is already included in the strongest shield laws nationwide, including those in California, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Colorado, and Maine. Connecticut must follow suit.

Beyond legal protections, Connecticut must also invest in the ecosystem of sexual and reproductive health care. ‘Safety-net providers,’ such as Hartford GYN Center and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, serve a patient population where the majority rely on Medicaid or are underinsured. These providers are an essential lifeline, ensuring access to care regardless of a patient’s income, insurance status, or background. However, they face unsustainable financial burdens due to insufficient Medicaid reimbursement rates, all while the cost of delivering care continues to rise.

Even though family planning clinics received a Medicaid reimbursement rate increase in the 2023 budget, abortion services were excluded. This means that abortion providers in Connecticut are operating under unsustainable financial conditions—on top of enduring relentless political and legal attacks.

Organizations like The REACH Fund, Connecticut’s only abortion fund, directly support clinics because they trust providers to deliver the best care possible. Connecticut’s state government should do the same by increasing Medicaid reimbursements and fully funding abortion services.

Abortion providers deliver critical, life-saving care —but they can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can support abortion providers in Connecticut:

• Call your legislators. Urge them to support H.B. 7135 and ensure abortion providers have the legal and financial support they need. Reproductive Equity Now can guide you—sign up for updates here.

• Donate. Support abortion clinics, funds, and advocacy organizations that are fighting to expand access.

• Know your local providers. Learn about clinics in your community so you can help others find safe, trusted care.

• Express gratitude. Thank a provider, a front desk staffer, a clinic escort, or a friend who supported someone through their abortion journey.

Remember, abortion care is community care. Be part of that community. Support those who make reproductive freedom possible—today and every day.

Liz Gustafson is Connecticut State Director with Reproductive Equity Now and Cassie Lehr is a Board Member of The REACH Fund of Connecticut.