What to do if you’re an Alaskan who needs an abortion

First, abortion is still legal in Alaska. There are no trigger laws in effect. There is also no immediate legislative action seeking to change this right. In Alaska, abortion is legal throughout the entire pregnancy. The abortion must be performed by a licensed physician, and you also must be a resident of Alaska for 30 days prior to the procedure (source). You are also required to receive counseling before obtaining an abortion. There are 3 abortion clinics in the state, located in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. If you cannot afford an abortion, Medicare is required by law to cover the cost of a “medically necessary” abortion, and Planned Parenthood, which oversees all 3 clinics, also has payment plans and sliding scale fees.

Alaska was one of 4 states to make abortion legal before Roe v. Wade. In 1972, voters overwhelmingly supported an amendment adding the right to privacy to the state’s constitution. Through this amendment, abortion was legalized, as medical care and decisions are protected as private under the State Constitution.

The Alaska Supreme Court affirmed the right to abortion again in 1997, stating that “reproductive rights are fundamental, and that they are encompassed within the right to privacy expressed in article I, section 22 of the Alaska Constitution.” The Supreme Court ruling also states that “these fundamental reproductive rights include the right to an abortion”.

What happens now?

There is still a very real threat to abortion and reproductive rights within Alaska. Governor Mike Dunleavy has already mentioned that he will be introducing an amendment when the legislative session restarts in November that could remove constitutional protections for abortion in Alaska. However, passing an amendment this way requires support from 2/3rds of both the state House and Senate, as well as support from the majority of participating voters the next election. It is extremely unlikely this amendment will ever be seen by voters.

However, this November, Alaskans have the chance to vote on holding a constitutional convention. The possibility for a constitutional convention is put on the ballot every 10 years, and if voters agree to hold one, it is the most direct (and likely) way to amend the constitution.

This process will take time if voters ask to hold one, with final amendments to the constitution potentially not being ratified until 2026, but many anti abortion groups are already pushing hard to hold a constitutional convention, as they see it as the best way to ban abortion within the state. The constitutional convention can address a number of topics, most notably the PFD, which is why support has been growing, but it is almost certain to become contentious and could put abortion on the chopping block.

What can I do?

It is very difficult to change the State constitution, so preventing or banning abortion will not be easy. However, a constitutional convention is the most likely way that abortion protections could be removed. Educate yourself on the issues before voting in November. Anti abortion groups are heavily supporting a constitutional convention, and the question is left entirely up to voters in November whether or not one will be held. Consider voting “no” to holding a constitutional convention, and contact your state legislators to express your support for abortion rights in Alaska. Additionally, vote for candidates that will protect abortion rights for the US House and Senate.

Abortion within Alaska remains safe and legal. However, the challenges and unique remoteness of the state can make it extremely difficult for people in villages or who are off the highway system to access the 3 remaining abortion clinics. If you decide to go outside the state for an abortion due to these barriers, Washington has robust protections and as many Alaskans know, the main way to access any destination in the Lower 48 is to go through Seattle, so there are many flights each day that can get you there.

I have also seen a lot of posts recommending that Alaskans go to Canada for abortions if necessary. The closest clinic is in Whitehorse, and there are no direct flights. Another option is to drive, but again, if you are coming from a village or from off the highway system, this is not a viable option. Alaskans also need to present a passport for entry into Canada. I am from the Interior so I am not qualified to speak for all Alaskans, but Canada seems to be a far more inaccessible option due to its remoteness, difficulty of access, and additional costs of getting a passport and paying out of pocket for an abortion at the Whitehorse clinic. I would highly recommend going to Seattle instead.

Must be a Sugondese joke.

Ian Stone, Doubting Thomas, oil on linen, 12x16 in, 2023

Yes, Greece still exists, we didn't all die 2000 years ago. Yes, people speak Greek. You people are so fucking stupid for real. So many of you claim to love ancient shit but can't even acknowledge the actual living culture of the people whose mythology and classics you romanticize. You keep leaving annoying comments about how you just forget Greek people still exist, thinking you're being quirky because you love ancient stuff soooo much that you forgot about the people it came from. You think about it so little you don't even realize that an actual Greek person has to read this shit, making it clear how little you actually care about the culture beyond the romanticized (and westernized) mythology. Don't claim you love Greece, don't use our mythology anymore if you can't acknowledge that we're still around without making it about how little you think about us. It's mind boggling that you'd think a Greek person would read this and think you're anything but obnoxious. Explode.

thanks that was really helpful

You know that study that found when doing a blind taste test the majority of people prefer pepsi over coca cola so coke changed their recipe to taste more like pepsi, and people actually liked the new coke a lot less because the people who were buying coke didn't want it to taste like pepsi they wanted their coke to taste like coke. That's what a lot of the new changes tumblr is working on feel like.

Edit: Instead of tagging staff in this you may want to fill out a support ticket instead. It's a better way to tell them directly what exactly you dislike about the new changes and what makes them bad. You can label your ticket as feedback if you're unsure. Here's the link:

Just saw a video like "um actually rocky horror isn't good queer representation because frank sexually assaults janet" girl he kills and eats people. It's called the rocky HORROR picture show not the rocky cute gay rep tw t-slur picture show

Part 200 of my bakery “enemies” au!

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Kofi

"love every trans woman you meet before it's too late" is a tumblr post that is very close to my heart because it was inspired by a friend of mine attempting suicide.

like a lot of people seem to assume it's about the banning and stuff and i mean like it can be. love the trans women in your life before the structures around them isolate them. love them before they feel like they're unloved. yk.

but like.

love every trans woman you meet before it's too late is particularly strong to me because it's literally about a friend of mine i thought it was too late for.

i was too scared of making her uncomfortable to let her know how much i love her and how wonderful it is to know her and how happy i am to have met her. and i thought she was gone.

love every trans woman you meet before it's too late is a reminder to me to always push past that discomfort. to always try to make the trans women in your life feel loved. because we so often feel unlovable.

even if you think your actions speak for themselves, push beyond your fears. tell them directly.

"i love you."

"you're a wonderful force in my life, you make me happy."

"i would miss you when you're gone."

"please come to me with your problems."

"i love you."

let the trans women in your life know exactly how much you care about them. let them know you love them. let them know they're your best friend. let them know you'll always be there for them.

they will doubt they're good enough they'll doubt they're loved they'll doubt everything that gives them value. but take them into your heart and make them feel it.

be their shoulder to cry on.

please don't ever let it be too late.

"Damian should be a veterinarian when he grows up" this and "Damian should be a doctor" that….I think he should take advantage of his wealth and be an art major

letting celebrities think they can and should "use their platform" to speak on all current events and political issues regardless of how educated they are on them was a grave mistake

My favourite FNAF animatronic: Funtime Miku!

Inspired by LOLBOTLOID’s post

Happy deletion day

tilly the god au ep 1 (part 1 of 4 I think)

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