Fox 61 | Connecticut launches free abortion legal support hotline

By Emma Wulfhorst | Originally Published on Fox61

HARTFORD, Conn. — In the wake of the election, Connecticut leaders are working to shore up reproductive protections in the state.

“I’ve gotten a bunch of texts from people that they’re scared,” said Attorney General William Tong, (D-CT). “I’m scared too.”

Friday morning, Tong announced a new Abortion Legal Hotline for providers and patients in Connecticut.

“In case it sounds a little abstract still to people and it shouldn't., but in case you think this happens to other people somewhere else and it's not real. It is very real. There is in this country now a war on American women and patients,” Tong said.

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England says this year, Connecticut has seen a 150% increase in patients traveling in from out-of-state seeking abortion care.

“After Tuesday's presidential election, we know that there is a lot of confusion, fear, terror and grief,” said President of the Reproductive Equity Now Foundation Rebecca Hart Holder. “Right now, patients need our support providers need our guidance. This movement demands bold innovative tenacious state based leadership.

“This free and confidential legal resource will be able to help connect providers and patients seeking or offering care with attorneys in Connecticut for pro bono legal assistance,” Holder continued. “This hotline is an expansion of the Massachusetts Abortion Legal Hotline, which has already helped connect more than 150 patients and providers with the support they need to access and provide care.”

The hotline will be operated and managed by Reproductive Equity Now and funded by donations.

“Questions like, I'm an abortion provider helping a patient traveling from out of state. How do I protect the patient and how do I protect myself? I'm a patient traveling for care. How do I know I'm safe? Where can I go to make sure I can access legitimate care?” Holder added. 

Anyone can call and leave a message, or fill out a secure form on Reproductive Equity Now’s website. A team member will respond to inquiries within two to three business days and connect callers with pro bono legal support from Connecticut firms.

“I want you to hear me when I say that your reproductive rights are our responsibility,” said Eleanor Faraguna, the patient care coordinator at Hartford GYN Center. “I want you to hear that you are not alone. I want every person who is questioning or doubting this right now to hear this at least once today is that you belong here.”

“It's our fight. It's our shared responsibility. We are in it together. It's not somebody else's problem. It's ours too,” said Tong. “That's why all of us have to jump in and lend a hand.”