Planned Parenthood navigators help abortion patients arrange for travel, costs and other needs

Even before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, being able to terminate a pregnancy was not a choice available to everyone who wanted it-- particularly for those with low-incomes living in rural areas with no healthcare providers in their community. And since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson ruling that returned the regulation of abortion to states, many state legislatures severely restricted the procedure, including medication abortions, which comprise more than half of all abortions in the U.S.

In Oregon, the two branches of Planned Parenthood have seen an increase in the numbers of people from Idaho, Texas and many other states coming here for abortions. One of the ways that the reproductive health organizations ensure access is to hire abortion navigators to help those who need an abortion meet the challenges that may stand in the way, such as travel or costs. Nova Newman is one of four abortion patient navigators that work for Planned Parenthood statewide. She joins us to talk about how she approaches her job, the kinds of questions she gets from those seeking abortions and the ways she helps facilitate their access.