Paper Short Abstract:

13 American states have a total abortion ban in place since the fall of Roe v Wade in 2022. A further 4 have a 6-week gestational age limit. The story of how the abortion landscape has mobilised to increase access nationally include innovations and strategies that may be applied globally.

Paper Abstract:

Oral History methodology was used to interview and preserve the reflections, challenges and learning from organisational leaders, community activists, providers and researchers who have successfully increased access on a national level in the aftermath of the supreme court decision overturning Roe v Wade in 2022 (the "Dobbs ruling"). We will be able to discuss the implications of:

- Shield law provision of early medical abortion and menstrual regulation by post

- Telemedicine via asynchronous and synchronous consultation

- Accompaniment models and abortion doulas

- Family medical practitioner, midwife or nurse provision

- Pathway to over the counter early medical abortion provision.

The availability of audio recordings mean a multi-media presentation of findings will be available to accompany a discussion on what the American abortion landscape may mean for European and global abortion policy. The Dobbs ruling has made abortion a household topic for discussion. The effects of banning abortion on women and families have been amplified during a crucial election year.

In Europe, criminalisation and other barriers to access such as mandatory waiting periods and counselling requirements mean that the most vulnerable abortion seekers suffer the most and are more likely to need to travel internationally to receive abortion care. Most European countries have a 12 week gestational age limit. In the UK, abortion is still socially stigmatised and there isn't the same level or appetite for public debate in spite of a long-standing campaign for de-criminalisation of abortion by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.