During the 1990’s, some women from TJMC-UU saw that low-income women in the Charlottesville area did not have the option of choosing abortion even though this essential health service was available to women with adequate income. Because of their strong belief in social justice and UUA Principles such as “the right of conscience” and “justice, equity and compassion in human relations”, the women from TJMC established an Abortion Assistance Fund. A few years later, responsibility for the fund was assumed by the local chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW).

In recent years, the fund was named the Blue Ridge Abortion Assistance Fund (BRAAF), now a non-profit service, and administered entirely by local volunteers. Given that abortion procedures must be obtained within a short timeframe and cost hundreds of dollars, women with low income are often unable to have this crucial choice. Studies have shown that 1 in 3 women in the US need abortion services during their reproductive years, thus abortion care is an essential health care service. Women in need of financial aid obtain the BRAAF phone number from a clinic or online.

Barriers in Virginia such as required extra ultrasounds add to excessive costs of care. Women are financially screened by the clinics they attend and counseled by phone when they call BRAAF. Volunteers for BRAAF assist women in the local region with information and supplementary funds, which are paid directly to the clinic that provides abortion services. BRAAF is affiliated with national networks for women who need financial help to obtain abortion care, and thus collaborates with national funders to find resources so women can exercise their rights to control their bodies and their lives.

Donations may be sent to: BRAAF, PO Box 5082, Charlottesville, VA 22905

For information call: (434)963-0669