by Rupal Ramesh Shah for Toledo Streets March issue (131) 2023

​

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), being or identifying as a woman has a significant impact on health, as a result of both biological and gender-related differences. In many societies the health of women and of girls is of particular concern because they are disadvantaged by discriminatory practices rooted in sociocultural factors.

​

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that women face diverse health concerns across their lifespan which impacts their overall wellness. For instance, studies show that women have higher rates of heart attack deaths and more symptoms of depression and anxiety.

​

One of the unique challenges that women face is during their pregnancy. At times, severe health risks may require an abortion, to protect the life of the mother. Data from the WHO indicates that in 2019, 55% of unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls result in abortions, which are often conducted in unsafe conditions.

 

Since June 2022 when the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it signifi cantly increased the challenges for pregnant women. The decision removed constitutional access to abortion. Therefore, the authority to regulate abortion now lies with the elected representatives of each state.

 

Research shows when abortion is banned or restricted, they do not cease. Instead, they are just conducted behind the scenes or underground, in unsafe conditions. Also, such decisions disproportionately affect people who have historically less access to health services due to discrimination and other systemic barriers. In particular, it affects adolescents, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those living in poverty, and people discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

​

One local volunteer organization based in Toledo, The Agnes Reynolds Jackson Fund, or Aggie Fund as its commonly known has been bridging the gap for access to abortion in Toledo and the surrounding areas since 1992. Their catchment area includes Southeast Michigan, Northwest Ohio, as well as people who live within seventy-five miles of Toledo.

 

The main purpose of the organization is to provide financial support and information to those who are seeking a safe and legal abortion. According to Courtney Macklin, who has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2016, the state of abortions in Ohio is precarious. Therefore, the organization’s goal is to reach as many people in the community as possible. “There’s a large part of our community that faces fi nancial or logistical barriers to abortion access. We want to make sure we are here for them,” she stated.

​

At times, the organization has had to help people who have to travel long distances to obtain care. The Aggie Fund does have connections with clinics in Detroit, Cleveland and nearby cities to connect individuals with them too. They also collaborate with the National Network of Abortion Funds as well as other similar agencies to create an awareness, collectively, surrounding issues of access to abortion.

​

Their model of work is to connect the individuals to the clinic. Once connected, the Aggie Fund will pay the clinic directly for the services provided. The service costs can range anywhere from $700 to $2000 or even more. Aggie Funds fi ll in funding gaps to ensure patients can afford their abortion. In order to begin, individuals must make an appointment with the clinic fi rst. Resources to fi nd clinics in the locality where the individual resides can be found on the Aggie Fund website.

 

In discussing about fundraising, Macklin summarized “We have three large fundraisers throughout the year. We also host area-focused fundraisers at other times which bring in additional funds. Another percentage of our funds comes from monthly donors who have been contributing for many years. We also receive one-time donations or intermittent contributions from our community members.” Macklin added that fundraising remains a challenge as the demand for bridging the gap for access to abortions continues to increase.

 

Kristin Hady, another Board member of the Aggie Fund, joined the organization after spending years volunteering as a Clinic Escort. A Clinic Escort is an individual who escorts those seeking abortion in to the clinics. According to Hady, she was affected by what she was seeing during her time as a volunteer, so she wanted to be further involved. “There’s always protestors outside the abortion clinics so it’s vital to ensure there’s a safe space for individuals to walk in to,” she exclaimed. The Aggie Fund continues to work with volunteers who serve on Escort Groups.

 

Hady mentioned that in terms of challenges for the organization, there may be instability in the future with the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Though individuals are still seeking care for abortion as they need it, Hady hopes things don’t take a turn for the worse.

 

“This is diffi cult work, so the best moments are when we receive notes of gratitude from individuals who have received our services. That’s why we are passionate about our work,” Hady said.

​

Women face discrimination in various forms, which makes access to healthcare even more diffi cult. Local organizations like the YWCA of Northwest Ohio are working hard to address racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

 

Lisa McDuffie, President and Chief Executive Offi cer of The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) mentioned, “The pillar for many families is women so if we can focus on women, it can be of value as it’ll strengthen the household.” McDuffie further added, “Our mission is unique as we focus on equity and equality. We believe if we stand up for women and against racism, other issues will come up that we’ll be better prepared to handle. This way, we address the root causes of issues and along the way, deal with other challenges that come up.”

 

The YWCA of Northwest Ohio is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. “Our doors are always open, and we continue to serve the community daily. Our community relies on us to help them and so do other partnering organizations in the neighborhood,” stated McDuffie.

 

The YWCA provides a variety of services that include providing emergency shelter services, free mammograms for under or uninsured women, support and education to expectant mothers, support for sexual assault and rape survivors, and teen pregnancy education. Over the years the YWCA has celebrated many accomplishments. In 2021 they served 33,885 individuals out of which seventy-one children and women found a permanent home at the YWCA. Approximately 4,498 students avoided become teen parents through awareness and education.

​

McDuffie has been in the organization for twenty-six years.

​

“Our work continues. However, we often face challenges too especially in fundraising. The reality is that the more funds we have the more impact we can make,” stated McDuffi e. She elaborated that breaking down systemic racism is diffi cult, especially in relation to women’s health. “Though we are making strides, our work is still incomplete,” she stated, in a matter-offact tone.

​

With the ever-changing climate of the current pandemic as well as its impact on the community, women’s access to health will require much more than it has before. Organizations like the Aggie Fund and the YWCA continue to diligently serve their community. They are taking a step in the right direction to support women and their overall healthcare needs. However, it is clear that more needs to be done to support women’s health in our society.