Bodies Without Borders

What is Bodies Without Borders?

If you watched our video - you know that Bodies Without Borders is a platform and not-for-profit organization creating conversations and financial assistance around women’s reproductive rights (and wrongs).

But honestly,  it’s bigger than that. Bodies Without Borders is a podcast and not-for-profit organization that offers free and safe transportation and treatment to those seeking abortions or related medical needs in areas where procedures are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to access. Through a simple application process, our team travels to the women in need, provides transportation to the nearest/safest clinic, funds any relevant medical procedures, and returns them safely home. For those applicants who wish to participate, we'll host anonymously recorded conversations and utilize those discussions to further educate and create conversations around reproductive rights. 

Which brings me to our podcast. From friends and patients to healthcare providers and humanitarian organizations, the podcast will feature content from our travels and introduce conversations around the pressures of family planning (or lack thereof). While these subjects can be heavy - they can also be relatable and light. Humorous even. Bodies Without Borders isn’t just a podcast, it’s a platform where women (and men) can speak freely about their fears and fortunes. The goal? Build a support system for those who may be confronted with such decisions in their future. 

Who Are We?

We are Maddie Grandbois and Ellie Lloyd. Two advertising executives turned entrepreneurs and advocates. And we are the founders of Bodies Without Borders. Both of us have always been passionate about women’s reproductive rights - and have faced any number of experiences around our own reproductive health. From accidental pregnancies to forced D&C’s to endless rounds of IVF - more often than not, the conversations we had with each other and friends ended in “I felt so alone.” There shouldn’t be shame around the fortunes or failures our bodies endure. We should share these stories with pride. What’s more - these stories aren’t always sad. Often they’re relatable and sometimes even a little funny. You don’t have to #shoutmyabortion or even share your story at all - but know, whenever you need us, we’re here to listen, support your decisions and offer a helping hand when needed.

What Are We Trying To Solve?

One in four women will have had an abortion before the age of 45 for any number of reasons. Thanks to Roe v Wade’s Supreme Court ruling of 1973, that decision has been both legal and accessible for women in need in all 50 states. In the past 8 years between new administrations, ever changing state-specific bills and the gag order placed on Title X, 163 clinics - 25% - offering abortion services have closed across the US, leaving 6 states with only a single abortion providing clinic. And while the accessibility has never been terribly easy, it’s becoming increasingly difficult - especially for women of color and those living in lower income areas. While there are grants or financial aid available for some, the time they take often leave a woman with a pregnancy passed the state’s term for approved abortion timing. What’s more, our research has shown there is not a single organization focused on the transportation element. The average distance to any given clinic is 25 miles and for many states that average will increase from 25 to over 100 miles before the end of 2020. Abortions alone can be extremely costly, and depending on the state, you may need to visit a clinic more than once prior to being approved for the procedure. This isn’t just gas or public transit cost - this is time off work or babysitters or sick leave. These are often the costs that are not factored into the financial aid packages. 
 

How Do We Plan To Do It?

Bodies Without Borders' goal is to remove that weight from those who require or choose to have an abortion. Because we’re not a traditional non-profit - we’re a not for profit. So once all our costs are covered each additional dollar goes right back into the fight. And that means we want women to feel safe and secure in their decisions from their front door to the clinic and back again. We’re not shy of shaking up the system and our team is available for moral, financial and legal support through the entire process. We are raising $50,000 to cover at least 1 trip per month in 2020. Why $50K? Each trip is unique to the woman in need and adds up quickly - so the more financial support we can count on, the more efficient we can become.

Cost Breakdown

Average cost of a pregnancy test - $20

Average cost of a first trimester abortion - $515

Average cost of a second trimester abortion - $7500

Average cost of a D&C (with insurance) - $3500

Average cost of a D&C (without insurance) - $8500

Average cost of an American “sick day” or “vacation day” taken - $215

Average cost of BWOB travel (airfare, car rental and a place to sleep) - $1000

That means our average trip cost is right around $3000.00 

In order to do 1 trip a month we’ll need to raise a minimum of $36000. And because we know each trip is unique we are planning to raise enough to cover differing circumstances.
The more we raise, the more women we can help. 

Who Is Our Target? 

Who are we trying to help? 50% of the population. Any and all women we can help. We hope to make this larger than simply a quote “women’s issue.” If 1 in 4 women have abortions by the age of 45 - that’s at least 30% of women in the US. And because statistics are so incredibly hard to gather and analyze in this space, that number could be far larger. Many women - as well as doctors - do not keep records or report these procedures, so tracking the growth is incredibly hard. 

Why Are We Uniquely Qualified to Run This Company?

Honestly? We’re not. Anyone could have started this platform. There is nothing unique about us running this organization other than the fact that we am choosing to follow through. Choosing to use our access, reach and privilege to help those in need. Those whose voices are often quieted, those whom are too scared to do it on their own or those whom simply cannot afford it. This is not a business, this is a movement. And I hope you join us in making our first year a major one. 

Why Donate to Bodies Without Borders?

Every dollar counts. Please consider supporting our project - and if you don’t choose us, please consider donating to your local Planned Parenthood or clinic. If you’re looking for a list of local affiliates, please reach out to [email protected]

Thank you for all your support! Please help us spread the word and sharing this project with your friends and family. 

For more information or to submit your story to the podcast please visit bodieswithoutborderspodcast.com