Women in places such as Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia and Arkansas share a troubling commonality – they all live in states with the least accessible abortion services in the United States.  Because of where they live, these women face daunting barriers to get safe abortion care if and when they need it.  These least access states have the most restrictive laws and the fewest number of abortion providers.  These states also share other traits: low levels of contraceptive care, high rates of poverty, and strong anti-abortion cultures.  With little help to prevent pregnancy, few financial resources to help pay for abortion care, and the threat of isolation or even harassment within her community, the health and autonomy of a woman living in one of these states is at risk. 

What if there were more abortion providers in West Virginia? What if the safe abortion care women need was easier to reach in Mississippi?

The Least Access States Initiative acts on the belief that improved access to abortion care is both needed and possible.  Funding has been secured to launch a project to expand access to abortion in those states that are the most politically challenging, have the least access, and the fewest resources dedicated to abortion care.  Beginning in two states this year, our work will adapt the World Health Organization’s Strategic Approach to Contraceptive Introduction model that encourages stakeholder-driven solutions, a success in more than 18 countries worldwide. Enriching the WHO model with AAP’s experience, our approach will bring structured and intensive outside support without imposing an outside solution or perspective.

The Least Access States Initiative offers a unique framework to expand abortion services in what are considered the most underserved states.  Working with stakeholders to sustainably improve access to abortion where it is most constricted is one of the many ways AAP is using innovative solutions to address gaps in abortion access.