Group that helps with abortion access in Midwest, including flights from small, rural airports, sees a spike in interest

A group called Elevate Access arranges transportation to abortion clinics from small airports. (Photo via The Daily Yonder)

"An organization that facilitates safe abortion access in the Midwestern United States says that it will most likely double the number of clients they support this year compared to last year," Kristi Eaton reports for The Daily Yonder. "Midwest Access Coalition assists with the costs of obtaining an abortion, including transportation, gas, food, medication and child care. . . . In 2021, the organization supported 800 people seeking abortions. This year, that number was reached in mid-July, meaning that they will more than likely double the number for 2022." So says Alison Dreith, the organization's director of strategic partnerships.

Dreith told Eaton that while Midwest Access serves rural and urban residents alike, rural clients often have the hardest time getting care because they live far from clinics. Many don't have the time or money to travel such long distances; in the wake of the overturn of Roe v. Wade, more are getting abortion pills online and self-managing their abortions at home because of travel difficulties.

"Midwest Access Coalition recently started a partnership with Elevated Access, which works with volunteer pilots to provide flights to patients seeking abortions and gender-affirming care," Eaton reports. Most Americans live within 30 minutes of a municipal airport, though many don't realize it because the airfields are so small, Dreith said. 

An Elevated Access employee told Eaton that these small airports offer clients privacy not found at larger airports. "There’s no TSA, there’s nobody asking you all these questions," she said. "When you drive up to the plane, the pilot welcomes you on board, flies you to where you need to go, you do your medical procedure."

"Currently, Elevated Access works with 800 volunteer pilots, but is hoping to recruit additional volunteers. Some may be more concentrated in certain areas, like California," Eaton reports. "They are specifically looking for pilots who can fly out of rural communities with patients."