For progressives, the time to prepare for a post-Roe world is now. Here’s how to safeguard your rights and take action before it’s too late.
Many paranoid progressives, myself and friends included, heard the death knell of Roe v. Wade as we watched the nominations of Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
The Roe reversal wasn’t a surprise. Just a long-dreaded possibility we hoped would never come to pass – a hope that splintered when the Republican-dominated Senate rammed their candidate onto the bench while Ginsburg was not yet cold.
I remember the moment I fully realized Roe v. Wade was on legally shaky ground. I had gone to a talk given by Sarah Weddington herself, the attorney that had argued the case back in the early 1970s.
Unlike other rights, such as the right to “bear arms” or the right to a fair trial, the Constitution gives no guarantees of the right to abortion or even birth control options. The Roe argument was a matter of constitutional interpretation. Sarah explained they pinned their argument to the “right to privacy” concept implied within the 14th Amendment. It was fashionable back then, with the Supreme Court having decided birth-control case, Griswold, along similar lines.
Roe faced immediate criticism, with many accusing the Court of judicial activism, rather than interpreting the constitution.
It’s possible a better legal foundation may have been laid. Ginsburg herself stated that Roe might have had a better legal ground had it been based on the concept of women’s equal rights. But we got what we got, and just as the Supreme Court giveth, the Supreme Court tooketh away, as they did with Dobbs in 2022.
My friends and I were scared. Although we live in a blue jurisdiction, my husband and I, deciding our family was complete, took permanent birth control measures soon after Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing.
And following the online dissemination of Project 2025, many others rushed to their gynos and urologists for sterilizations.
But not everyone’s family is complete. Many people, especially many young people, require temporary birth control, leaving their fertility intact for a future family.
As of January 2025, the following states have banned abortion: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Many others have restrictions that require deft maneuvering.
With the declining birth rate, and JD Vance publicly proclaiming he wants “more babies in America”, the writing is on the wall that further restrictions, not just against abortion but for basic birth control itself, are headed our way.
Progressive preppers have taken the following steps to prepare for this:
1.) First, they know their state laws.
If you live in the US, the following resource is a great guide to quickly check your state’s laws on abortion rights: https://reproductiverights.org/maps/abortion-laws-by-state/.
Remember that states like Georgia, Kentucky, and Mississippi have an abortion ban after six weeks– however this is six weeks since a woman’s last period, well before many women would even suspect they were pregnant.
If abortion is banned within your state, traveling may be an option, however remember that some states have created criminal and civil penalties for traveling out of state for this. Groups like the National Network of Abortion Funds, the Midwest Access Coalition, and the Brigid Alliance can provide information and possible assistance.
Remember that some states ban abortion, but may have exceptions for incest, rape, or medical emergencies.
2.) Educate themselves on Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives.
Many find they struggle to remember taking daily medication, and other options are available. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, implants and IUDs offer effective avenues of contraception that don’t require daily action.
If rumors of Project 2025 are to be believed, however, many of these options may soon be illegal. Many are choosing to take immediate action while these options are legal and available.
3.) Are prepared for contraception failures.
No birth control method yet has boasted a 100% success rate. Even abstinence is subject to failure, given the possibility of sexual assault. Have a plan in place in the event contraception fails.
To that extent, many progressive preppers are stocking up on Plan B and “Plan C” pills.* Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It’s most effective when taken ASAP, ideally within 72 hours. According to Planned Parenthood, it does not terminate an existing pregnancy, but rather works by delaying ovulation.
At the time of this writing, Plan B is available over the counter in all states, though many states allow pharmacists to decline to sell it due to religious reasons. When stored correctly, it has a shelf life of four years.
Plan C pills refer to mifepristone and misoprostol. These are the medical abortion pills. They typically require a prescription which, depending on your state laws, may be available through a medical provider in person, or through a telehealth appointment, with mailed-in pills.
Check your state laws as to whether this medication is legal in your state – Louisiana indicted a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a patient in Louisiana, and Texas brought murder charges against a woman who went to the ER after having a medical abortion. (The charges were dismissed, but the woman was held in jail for two nights.)
4.) Remain aware of legal risks.
In addition to the traveling and abortion-by-mail prohibitions mentioned above, some states have criminalized the act of helping others obtain an abortion.
Quick Guide of Steps to Take:
- Know Your State Laws: Check abortion laws in your state here: https://reproductiverights.org/maps/abortion-laws-by-state/. Some states ban abortion after six weeks (which is often too early for most women to realize they’re pregnant) or penalize traveling out of state for an abortion. Groups like the National Network of Abortion Funds may help.
- Consider Long-Acting Contraceptives: Implants and IUDs provide effective birth control without daily action. Some worry these options may become restricted, so many are acting now. If your family is complete, consider sterilization procedures.
- Prepare for Contraception Failures: No method is 100% effective. Some are choosing to stock up on Plan B (emergency contraception) which has a shelf life of four years. Some are preparing for a ban on “Plan C” abortion pills. Be aware of legal restrictions in some states and keep up to date on the law.
- Understand Legal Risks: Some states criminalize aiding abortion access, including travel and mailing pills. Stay informed to avoid legal consequences.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is not legal or medical advice, and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, medical, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate information, laws vary by state and are subject to change. Talk to your doctor about medical concerns and questions you have.
We do not provide medical assistance or legal representation. It is your responsibility to research and comply with all applicable laws. We are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided on this site. For confidential assistance, please refer to organizations such as Planned Parenthood, National Network of Abortion Funds, the Midwest Access Coalition, the Lilith Fund, the Brigid Alliance, and the National Abortion Federation.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, the author makes no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or reliability. Use of this information is at your own risk, and the author is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes.
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