I know the risk I'm taking making this post but here goes. Minnesota is an island of abortion access, as I'm sure many of you know. But just because there are now more patients (from out-of-state) does not mean clinics aren't having financial problems, particularly independent clinics that are not Planned Parenthood.

There's a particular clinic in Minnesota that is in dire straits. In the interest of not putting them on blast in a public forum, I'm not going to mention their name here or link to their fundraising campaign. But if you're interested in donating to help keep them afloat and to keep providing essential reproductive healthcare access, please message me and I'll give you the details. (EDIT: FYI full disclosure, I will check your profile before giving out the link.)

And honestly: just donate to whatever fave clinic you may have! It's vitally important to protect this access.

Source: I am a clinic escort for two abortion clinics in the state. Clinic escorts help usher patients safely into the building and shield them from the anti-choice protestors just feet outside the property who like to yell, condemn, hold signs, and generally confuse and upset people. (Last week I was called a "miserable slut" who hates women. (I'm female.)) We are not paid, we are not there to counsel or argue; we are there to help people safely access the health care they need - whether that's an abortion, a pelvic exam, or a flu shot. It's a service I deeply value.

EDIT #2: If it takes me a bit to respond to your PM, please be patient! I'm happily overwhelmed by the responses here. Also trying to do laundry, get the groceries, and do a bit of regular day-job work. Saturday stuff. :)