"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Rachael Lorenzo calls it their 'auntie laugh,' a powerful chuckle that lasts long and fills any space. Aunties are prominent figures in Indigenous culture who offer comfort when one needs help.
Aunties answer the phone when no one else does.
That’s what Lorenzo, who is Mescalero Apache, Laguna and Xicana, does as founder of Indigenous Women Rising, a national fund that covers the costs of abortions – and the traditional ceremonies that follow – for Indigenous people.
Since the reversal of Roe v. Wade a year ago, demand for the organization’s services has skyrocketed. The group funded 37 abortions in 2019, 600 in 2022 and over 300 in the first six months of this year. From January to June, it’s spent more to help people than in all of 2022.
'We’re investing more money into … airfare, bus, gas, child care, elder care, after care for the individual who’s getting an abortion,' Lorenzo said. 'If there are special needs that they have, we do our best to fund that, as well.'”
~ NOEL LYN SMITH, SOURCE NEW MEXICO AND MADDY KEYES, for News 21
About the Author: "Elyse Wild is senior editor for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. "
"Indigenous Women Navigate Abortion Access Hurdles"
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/indigenous-women-navigate-abortion-access-150340901.html
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