Year-end message from Kellie Copeland
Blog | December 17, 2025
Two years ago, we made history together. We voted to legalize abortion and proved that reproductive freedom is an Ohio value. Since then, abortion access has been increased in our state.
The only provider in Toledo expanded services so that patients can now receive either in-clinic abortion procedures or abortion medication. Planned Parenthood has started providing medication abortion services in Athens. And last month JustChoice began offering medication abortion services in Columbus and will be expanding into Cincinnati next month! All of this was made possible because of your investment in Abortion Forward to pass the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment.
Expanded access to abortion in Ohio is critical because we lost half of our clinics over the last 15 years. Since the fall of Roe, patients from Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia are coming to Ohio clinics because abortion is illegal in their states.
Will you stand with Abortion Forward to protect and continue to expand access to abortion in Ohio?
Your commitment—in this moment—is essential because our success has anti-abortion politicians in Columbus and Washington, DC fuming. They have made it abundantly clear that they will never accept the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment as law in our state. There is nothing too low or underhanded they won’t try to thwart our work.
Our opponents are pushing back in seven key ways:
- Funneling taxpayer funding to anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers and propaganda in public schools.
- Introducing multiple bills that push the boundaries of the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment.
- Blocking Planned Parenthood from being reimbursed for providing care to Medicaid patients.
- Passing regulations that target progressive organizations in our state.
- Using the Ohio Attorney General’s office to continue legal challenges to the amendment.
- Laying the groundwork to repeal the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment at the ballot box.
- Limiting ballot access and gerrymandering to rig elections in their favor.
Passing the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment was just the first step. That is why with your support we must build this movement for the long haul.
We must be ever vigilant at the Ohio Statehouse. Because of your support, our policy team is second to none. We oppose every piece of anti-abortion legislation by analyzing the bills, lobbying at the Statehouse, testifying at hearings, mobilizing activists, and providing you with opportunities to make your voice heard.
We must build a pipeline of trained advocates. Our field team mentors and trains activists all over the state, providing them with the tools, training and opportunities they need to fiercely advocate for reproductive freedom in their communities.
We must support abortion storytellers. In partnership with Faith Choice Ohio, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, and Preterm, we recruit and train people who have had abortions in civic engagement and prepare them to step into leadership roles in our movement.
We must take the fight to the ballot box. We rigorously vet candidates and endorse candidates. We educate, motivate and mobilize voters across Ohio.
We must fight abortion stigma at every turn. Abortion stigma can be deadly, preventing people from receiving care when they desperately need it. It is the foundation upon which every political attack is built. Our team pushes back on social media, engages with reporters, and shapes the conversation.
As we look ahead to 2026, we need to raise $40,000 to fund the next phase of our strategy. Please consider making a year-end contribution to fight the very real threats ahead. You can contribute via our secure website at AbortionForward.org/donate
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we fight shoulder-to-shoulder for the dignity of every person and their ability to access stigma-free abortion without financial or political barriers.
For abortion, forever,
Kellie Copeland (she/her)
Executive Director
