Legal
Laws / regulations continue to vary and fluctuate on a State-by-State basis. New bills are proposed, passed, and updated or blocked all the time. Definitions and language used in bills and by insurance, specific or vague, may complicate how your case qualifies and what treatments are available. This makes it difficult for individuals and caregivers to know what options exist at any given time, or what repercussions may loom on the horizon. This is the burden, confusion, and fear that Americans must now sadly cope with when seeking reproductive healthcare. Below are sources for legal assistance, clarification, and checking States’ current status. Be sure to also check the States around you so you know your options!
Options
Although The Camping Network exists to help those seeking termination of a pregnancy, remember that the decision is entirely yours to make — no one else’s. Your body, life, future, health, safety, security, needs, wants, hopes…it all matters, and it’s not for anyone else to deem secondary or sacrificial. Search with scrutiny for a trustworthy healthcare provider to examine your pregnancy and help assess your options. There are many types of medical (including telehealth) and surgical procedures. Vet bad actors by confirming that you are being treated by a legitimate facility and not a “Fake Clinic“. Consult the legal resources further up to determine what limitations may exist in your area.
Support
You are not alone! From the 1980’s to the early 2000’s over 1 million medical abortive procedures were documented each year. From 2010 – present, those numbers still hover between just under 1 million to the lowest estimate of well over 600,000 (CDC, Guttmacher, Pew). Remember that these are just the recorded cases. Millions of individuals have found themselves in your position, and numerous support networks, groups, and hotlines have formed to offer support, comfort, reassurance, and advice. We are stronger together, and you do not have to go through this alone.
Financial
Monetary means is a very real barrier to accessing good and timely medical care. Affording insurance and worrying about coverage is only the tip of the iceberg — In addition to “just” the price of medical care (visits, services, treatments…), costs can also include travel, accommodation, child care, recuperation, lost income due to time spent away from work, and other ancillary needs or requirements for the “before, during, and after” of it all. It’s an infuriating dichotomy that wealthy policymakers and those in good financial standing are completely unaffected by the issue of accessibility, while statistics show that low-income individuals are more significantly impacted by a lack of reproductive healthcare. Fortunately, collective support and generosity not only powers The Camping Impact’s trips, but also other national funds that exist to help those in need.
Checklist
Prior to “going camping”, it is essential to ensure you are informed, supported, and ready for the process. This includes important steps such as researching local laws, understanding available options and procedures, gathering medical documents, identifying a trusted healthcare provider or clinic, considering emotional and mental well-being, arranging for necessary transportation and accommodations, and securing financial resources or insurance coverage. The resources above are here to help with this, and The Camping Impact can support with further coordination!
By having a preparation checklist, as well as a simple packing list for your journey, you can navigate the process with greater confidence, address potential challenges proactively, and prioritize overall safety and well-being.
- How long has it been? Check if Plan B would still be effective.
- Research the laws in your State and those nearby.
- Learn about your options, both local elsewhere.
- Consider who you can trust and confide in for support.
- Look for a legitimate and accessible healthcare provider.
- Determine financial, transport, housing, time-off, childcare, and other needs.
- Sit with and consult yourself, remember that the decision is YOURS.
