The National Network of Abortion Funds is a national social justice organization dedicated to increasing access to abortion for low-income people across the U.S.
Founding and history
It was founded by twenty-two grassroots abortion funds at a conference held May 1-2, 1993 at the National 4H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland; the NNAF incorporated in 1994. A six-person national board was elected at the 1993 conference, and each board member was assigned several Funds for which they had networking and communicating responsibilities. Since 1994, the NNAF has charged its board with increasing the organization's diversity of age, race, and ethnicity. From 1993 to 2003, the NNAF functioned with minimal paid infrastructure: office space was donated by Hampshire College ; Marlene G. Fried served as unpaid executive director and fundraiser; Shawn Towhey acted as unpaid communications director; and other national board members coordinated and implemented the programmatic work of the organization through task forces. Beginning in 1998, grants from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation enabled the NNAF to hire three consultants, which enabled it to reach new levels of sustainability and growth. In 2005, the board created the position of National Case Manager to oversee distribution of monies specifically designated for abortion funding.
Mission
The NNAF works to facilitate networking and to provide support and technical assistance to local member funds, which in turn provide direct assistance to women seeking abortions. The organization also conducts national and state-based advocacy to ensure that those most in need have access to abortion and full reproductive health care. In 2000, the Fund spearheaded the Campaign for Access to Reproductive Equity, which aimed to reverse the Hyde Amendment and make it possible for people to secure Medicaid funding for abortions. Studies have found that financial assistance provided by abortion funds is essential for women who are not able to afford out of pocket abortion costs, and it is particularly beneficial for patients of color, and those who are younger and single. NNAF is a member of several national coalitions, including the Training and Access Working Group, the Communications Group, and SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective.
