Mobilizing Abortion Doula Services to Campuses 

Presenter

Nisha Sabnis

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Deborah Keisch, Department of Civic Engagement & Service-Learning, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C5, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 1 (C1-C10) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

The passing of Bill H.3841 in the state of Massachusetts marks a huge advancement in reproductive and gender-affirming care. This legislation mandates that public universities in Massachusetts must have medication abortion on campus or connect students with outside resources to obtain abortion services. By dismantling barriers that have been placed through bans and restrictions, this bill contributes to reinstating the pillars of reproductive justice and removing stigma. 

Despite this progress, abortion can be isolating and invoke feelings of fear for some. With the support of an abortion doula, this process can become empowering and uplifting. Doulas offer emotional, physical, and informational support for individuals who are navigating reproductive loss or abortion. 

Through collaboration with the Doula Association for Reproductive Loss and Abortion (DARLA) which is part of The Abortion Rights Fund of Western MA, I was able to establish an abortion doula group at UMass University Health Services. The objective of this project is to create a student-run abortion doula group, serving as a model for other Massachusetts universities. Ensuring sustainability for this program has been at the forefront of my goals as it will serve as a long-lasting support system for the campus community. In this presentation, I will share the importance of promoting and increasing reproductive health services on campus and how this collaboration with DARLA has equipped me with the resources to do so.

Keywords

reproductive justice, abortion, doula, gender-affirming care

Research Area

Public Health and Epidemiology

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