Following the devastating Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, lawyers from across the nation were looking for opportunities to help defend abortion access. In all, 220 We The Action lawyers volunteered with 10 nonprofits on 12 projects to help abortion providers expand or modify services, track abortion-related bills, serve as legal observers at protests, and more.
For instance:
In the first 72 hours following the ruling, more than 40 lawyers volunteered with Regulatory Assistance for Abortion Providers (RAAP) to help abortion providers comply with restrictions, expand or modify services, and respond to state inspections.
We The Action lawyers worked with Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health to answer legal questions related to increasing patient and clinic capacity and risk assessment.
Meanwhile, volunteer lawyers also flocked to sign up for other projects to advance gender equity more broadly. For instance, 12 lawyers helped End Rape on Campus prepare to launch their Campus Accountability Map – an interactive tool that allows users to view in-depth information on sexual assault investigation policies, prevention efforts, and available survivor support resources on colleges campuses.
Spotlight On: Rachel Spitz
A “staunchly pro-choice” lawyer of 22 years licensed in Georgia, Rachel volunteered with Regulatory Assistance for Abortion Providers (RAAP), working in partnership with RAAP attorneys to help an abortion provider understand the available options to keep their doors open during a time of unparalleled uncertainty for patients and providers.
“It was something constructive I could do in a time that felt bleak,” Rachel says. “The ability for patients to find care kept me going. It gave me a real sense that I could help while things were going to hell.”
For two months, Rachel worked with the staff attorneys at RAAP to analyze Georgia state law and offer guidance to the provider to help them continue providing care to their clients. Staff Attorneys for RAAP say Rachel’s work is the reason the provider is still open and providing abortion care in compliance with state law.
“Rachel’s work had a direct impact on an abortion provider’s ability to stay open and continue providing abortion care in Georgia,” a RAAP attorney said.