Community Spotlight: Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts
Meet our May 2026 Community Spotlight organization: Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts
When was your organization founded and for what purpose was it established?
The Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts was started in 1988 by a group of local women who wanted to fight barriers to abortion care. Over the years, our organization has grown from an all volunteer, kitchen table organization led by a working board into a 501(c)3 non-profit with staff, volunteers and a governing board.
How would you describe the impact of the work your organization does?
From July 2024 to June 2025, we funded 260 clients and spent $182,000 on direct abortion funding support. We were also able to eliminate $90,000 of medical debt for 300 abortion patients in MA. During this time, we also launched our practical support program that provides assistance for clients’ transportation and logistical needs. In the first eight months of the program, we provided over $5,400 in support to ensure folks could make it to their appointments.
See how they are providing help
What program or project are you most excited about developing/expanding over the coming years, and why?
We’re excited to continue growing our team and capacity. Our new Executive Director will be joining our team later this summer. We’re also excited to expand the impact of our abortion funding, practical support, and doula programs.
Learn more about the resources they offer
What is one simple thing an individual can do to make a difference in the lives of the folks you serve?
Donate to your local abortion fund!
Bonus: destigmatize abortion by talking about it with the people you know.
How can folks get involved and/or support your work?
You can learn more about ARFWM and how to get involved by visiting our website.
And you can donate to our annual Fund-a-Thon fundraiser to help us reach our $50,000 goal by May 31st, 2026.
Planting Seeds of Resistance: A Talk on RJ & Liberation!
Sunday May 31st, from 3:30-5:30pm
We'll be in conversation with Loretta Ross and Marlene Fried about their new co-authored book, Abortion and Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide for Resistance. Loretta is a MacArthur Fellow, a co-founder of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, and one of the people who coined the term, reproductive justice, in 1994. Marlene is professor emerita of philosophy at Hampshire College, a co-founder of the National Network of Abortion Funds, and a co-founder of ARFWM.
Free for all. Register Here
