It is often in moments of crisis or loss that leadership rises, to start something brand new and daring, or to say, “We’ve been here all along; welcome.” 

For years, pilots have volunteered to transport cancer patients, victims of natural disasters, and domestic violence survivors. In 2022, Elevated Access was formed to meet the needs of other patients: those seeking abortion care or gender-affirming care, who faced increasing barriers ranging from legal restrictions, lack of transportation, costs, stigma, and fears of ICE and law enforcement.

In the last year, Elevated Access flew 928,500 miles for over 2,800 flights. What does that mean in reality? 

• For someone in a state where abortion is restricted, they were able to take a private flight, for free, with a loved one to access the care they needed. 
• Another patient who was banned from accessing life-saving gender-affirming care where they call home was able to do so, with love and support. 
• Medical professionals whose schedules are stretched to the maximum, serving multiple clinics, sometimes multiple states, were able to get the quick transportation necessary to serve patients who rely on them. 
• As ICE increased its presence and intimidation at airports, patients were able fly knowing their privacy would be protected.

Elevated Access is just one piece of a network of care showing up so patients can access healthcare safely, with support and dignity.

Here’s how you can be part of their mission:

• Donate towards passenger care packages, hotel stays, or volunteer pilot trainings. (And buy some cool swag!)
• Sign up to be a volunteer pilot or share the flyer in your community.
• Join the collective of compensated doulas accompanying patients on their flights.

Faith & Abortion w/National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice Wednesday, August 12th, 7:30pm – 9:00pm Register here.

How to Keep Anti-Abortion Adoption Propaganda Out of Sex Ed w/KNOW MEANS KNOW Thursday, September 10th, 7:30pm – 8:30pm Register here.

Pack with Purpose w/SoFlo Period Pantry, BeLoved Center & partners Saturday, August 15th, 1:00pm – 3:00pm UU Palm Beaches, North Palm Beach Event details.

Diaper Packing Party w/Florida Access Network Saturday, August 8th, 12:00pm – 2:00pm Quakers of Orlando Sign up here.

Childbirth & Breastfeeding Class w/The Doula Crew (Central Florida Birth Network) Wednesday, August 19th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

All inclusive 4-part class: $250 Maitland Event details.

Stronger Together: Community Health & Wellness Virtual Resource Fair w/Planned Parenthood of Florida & Come Out With Pride Orlando Wednesday, August 26th, 11:00am – 2:00pm Virtual, serving Osceola & Orange Counties Register here.

Central Florida Infant Feeding Support Roundtable w/Central Florida Birth Network Sunday, August 30th at 6:00pm Online event Event details.

Indie Night w/TBAFund Sunday, August 30th at 6:00pm Jug & Bottle, Seminole Heights Event details.

Tabling @ Jacksonville Eartha’s Farm and Market w/Planned Parenthood Saturday, August 15th, 10:00am – 2:00pm Eartha’s Farm and Market, Jacksonville Sign up here.

Tallahassee Action Council Meeting w/Planned Parenthood Wednesday, August 19th, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Tallahassee

Sign up here.

Florida

‘I had to travel, my life was in danger’: more Florida women seeking out-of-state abortions By Maye Primera, EL PAÍS

‘I wanted the pregnancy. It was just so scary.’ By Sofia Resnick and Shalina Chatlani, Stateline

Florida scored C- for maternal mental health care in 2026 report By Luiza Medeiros De Campos, WMNF Tampa Bay

A Florida Surrogate, a Father in China, and the Babies Caught Between By Katherine Long, Wall Street Journal

Suffering in Silence Is Not a Requirement for Strength: Uterine Fibroids and The Toll on Black Women By Nicole McCurdy, The Overreach Monitor

National

AG nominee tells faith leaders he will take action to restrict abortion drug access By Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Stateline

Trump’s New CDC Head Said ‘Abortion Surveillance’ Will Be A Critical Focus By Alanna Vagianos, HuffPost

Missouri Voters Reject Constitutional Amendment That Would Have Curtailed Citizen Ballot Power By Cody McDevitt, Repro Rights Now

Kansas voters reject another attempt to reshape the state’s abortion landscape By Shefali Luthra, The 19^th

The Med Student Staring Down Abortion Bans By Kylie Cheung, Abortion, Every Day

Anti-abortion advocates push to ban mifepristone under the guise of protecting women from abusive partners By Helena Hind, Media Matters

Young NC couple arrested after teen allegedly took abortion pills in 3rd trimester By Lexi Solomon, Charlotte News Observer

Who Will Train the Next Generation of Abortion Providers? By Latona Giwa, Ms. Magazine

Abortion pills could come to California community colleges in 2029 By McKenna Mobley, USA Today Network

Attorneys for pardoned abortion clinic protester announce 7-figure settlement with DOJ By Anita Wadhwani, States Newsroom

School Pregnancy Prevention Efforts Shut Down as Trump Emphasizes Abstinence By Mark Lieberman and Lauraine Langreo, Ed Week

G.O.P. Kills Bid to Expand I.V.F. Access in the Military By Annie Karni, New York Times

New Research

Awareness of abortion medications by mail options among abortion patients at 6 clinics: Findings from a pilot study By Rachel K. Jones and Doris W. Chiu, Guttmacher Institute

Impacts of Contraception on Future Fertility: Addressing Concerns to Improve Understanding By Lorna Begg, Onikepe Owolabi, and Chelsea Polis, Guttmacher Institute

Contraceptive use and unfulfilled preferences among women ages 15–49 years in the United States, 2022–2023 By Mia R. Zolna M.P.H.. Doris W. Chiu M.P.H., and Megan L. Kavanaugh Dr.P.H, Science Direct