Abortion Funds as Care Work: Navigating the Emotional Tolls of the Texas Executive Order Abortion Ban and COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
This qualitative study explores the experiences of abortion fund staff and volunteers amidst the unprecedented challenges posed during the early months of COVID-19 and the Texas Executive Order. Through analysis of semi-structured interviews, we aimed to identify the shared experiences of staff and volunteers during this time. Four categories of experiences were identified: (1) Reproductive Justice, (2) Emotional Support, (3) Creating a Community of Care, and (4) Emotional Burnout. Our findings revealed that to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic and Executive Order, staff and volunteers adapted a community of care model deeply rooted within the framework of reproductive justice. Central to their approach to supporting callers, was a commitment to alleviating the emotional and logistical burdens that were exacerbated during this period for individuals seeking abortion care. However, the additional work necessary to provide this support in addition to navigating their own personal challenges because of the pandemic also led to emotional burnout. We argue that the experiences of abortion fund staff and volunteers exemplify their participation in emotional labor and engagement in feminist care ethics.
Subject Area
Sociology|Occupational safety|Occupational psychology
Recommended Citation
Trejo, Brianna, "Abortion Funds as Care Work: Navigating the Emotional Tolls of the Texas Executive Order Abortion Ban and COVID-19 Pandemic" (2024). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI31294424.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI31294424