My deep love and gratitude for the National Network of Abortion Funds began seven years ago, as the co-founder and one of the leaders at Access Reproductive Care (ARC)- Southeast. And over the past few months, it has been my profound pleasure and honor to serve as Executive Director of the National Network of Abortion Funds. I am so grateful to step into this role — relying on my personal journey and experience while also approaching it with deep curiosity and learning. I am thrilled to take this time to tell you more about me, what brings me to this work, and my vision for how we meet this moment in history through our collective strength and community.
I began my time as Executive Director of the National Network of Abortion Funds amid the fallout of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade—the impact of which is being felt deeply across our network and communities that our members serve.
It’s understandable that in moments of crisis, we experience pain and fear. My North Star is our movement rooted in Reproductive Justice. What keeps me grounded is believing that, as a movement, we can collectively liberate ourselves with unconditional, radical, and revolutionary love. Love for this community. Love for this network. Love for everyone who seeks abortion care. And love for each other as we build deeper, fruitful connections that are critical to achieving our shared vision.
At the National Network of Abortion Funds, we see opportunities for abundance, even now. The laws of this country have been used in the past as tools of oppression and control. But that does not mean that we cannot organize together to imagine a new future. A culture shift is possible if we rethink the ways we talk about, and organize around, abortion. As Audre Lorde said, “we do not live single-issue lives.”
The National Network of Abortion Funds exists to strengthen the work of our members. And now, just a few short months in this role, I am not only in awe of the love and grace that the National Network of Abortion Funds staff has shown me, but also of the commitment of this team to nourishing and growing the power of abortion funds. I see before us all the possibilities for strengthening our network even further and building a world where every reproductive decision, including abortion, takes place in thriving communities that are safe, peaceful, and affordable.
I believe in our movement, and I believe in abortion funds. We all have a part to play in the coming weeks and months. I hope you find time to connect with your abortion fund. You can do that by signing up for their email list, following them on social media, telling your friends and family about them, and more.
Together, we can co-create a world where funds and pregnant people seeking abortions are trusted as experts in our own lived experiences and the experiences of our communities.
I humbly thank you for supporting me, this network, and abortion funds.
Oriaku Njoku (she/they)
Executive Director
National Network of Abortion Funds
