According to a source, pro-choice campaigners are bracing for a “huge inflow” of American women seeking abortions over the Mexican and Canadian borders if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
According to Verónica Cruz Sánchez, founder of the Mexico-based pro-choice organization Las Libres, there has already been an increase in the number of women crossing the border from Texas in search of abortion pills. According to The Hill, she predicts more if the Supreme Court returns abortion to the states.
“We’re absolutely preparing to assist more ladies,” Sánchez remarked. “When we first thought of this, we just had Texas in mind. However, in recent months, we’ve witnessed an increase in the number of women from different regions of the United States. We recognize that we will require a much larger infrastructure and improved logistics to assist in the development of additional networks to assist women.”
Demonstrators hold banners outside the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 3, 2022, following the release of a draft majority opinion prepared by Justice Samuel Alito preparing for a majority of the court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion-rights ruling later this year. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Abortifacient medications are widely available in Mexican pharmacies without a prescription. A woman may get 28 tablets for this purpose for about $30 USD, according to Sánchez. “If there’s one thing there’s a lot of in Mexico, it’s pharmacies, and they’re capable of catering to an influx if necessary,” she added.
In Canada, Joyce Arthur, executive director of the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC), told The Hill that her organization is likewise preparing for a possible influx of American women. “Our authorities are already discussing reaching out to the Canada Border Agency (CBSA) to ensure that persons crossing the border for abortions are let in,” she added.
Arthur went on to explain that Canadian abortion facilities are not equipped to manage the high number of American women crossing the border, which is why her group is lobbying federal and provincial governments to boost capacity and spend more money.
“These laws will make it much more difficult for women to have abortions in Colorado and other locations, even in the safest areas in the United States,” she said. “They will almost certainly have to deal with a large inflow of patients from other states as well. As a result, they will be overburdened and may be unable to take Canadian patients.”
Karina Gould, Canada’s minister of families, children, and social development, has reaffirmed her country’s support for abortion in the aftermath of a leaked draft judgment indicating that the Supreme Court is poised to reverse its historic Roe v. Wade decision.
“I don’t see why not,” Gould said last week when asked if American women could seek abortions in Canada if they needed to. “Certainly, if they, individuals, come here and require access, you know, that’s a service that would be offered.”
