From Mother Jones · Rebecca Grant · · 2m
Abortion Pill Mules Navigate Post-Roe Crisis
Underground abortion activists smuggle pills across borders to keep access alive after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
In brief
Underground abortion activists smuggle pills across borders to keep access alive after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Community networks distribute abortion medication to women in red states who can't access care through mainstream channels. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Lena's Coffee Run
Lena, a courier, meets suppliers at cafes near airports to exchange abortion medication.
“It’s almost like we could be medical people discussing innovations and research”
Medication Supply Chain
Community networks distribute mifepristone and misoprostol to women in red states who can't access care through mainstream channels.
“It really doesn’t matter what [state and federal authorities] do legally, we will continue”
Post-Roe Shift
After Roe v. Wade was overturned, underground networks expanded to serve women in red states who couldn't access care.
“We’ve tried for so long to do it the right and legal way, and that’s never worked”
Stephanie's Network
Stephanie, a retiree in a red state, started mailing abortion pills after her daughter needed care during the pandemic.
“The student drove six hours across state lines only to find the clinic was closed”
Mexican Supply Chain
Verónica Cruz Sánchez's organization Las Libres provided mifepristone from stockpiles for American activists.
“Stephanie sent a trusted colleague on a test run, meeting Cruz at a Starbucks in San Miguel de Allende”
Courier Protocol
Lena uses encrypted channels and aliases to communicate with suppliers and avoid detection.
“I’ve knocked on a lot of doors, I’ve made a lot of phone calls, and you can’t feel any of those results”
International Shipping
Couriers send pills from Mexico or India to avoid customs flags and ensure safe delivery.
“The networks experimented with international shipping, but found that packages with more than 90 doses tended to get flagged”
Texas Law Impact
Texas's 2021 law banning abortion after six weeks intensified the need for underground networks.
“After Texas implemented its 2021 law banning abortion after six weeks”
Decentralized Model
Community networks operate as regional affiliates with encrypted email addresses for anonymous inquiries.
“Each network has an encrypted email address where it receives inquiries”
Pill Distribution
Abortion seekers use websites like Plan C and Red State Access to find community networks.
“I once heard about an activist who hid pills inside a small plush toy for a teenager”
India Supply Chain
Indian pharmaceutical companies produce high-quality generic abortion pills at affordable prices.
“The drugs are high-quality, generic pills”
Customs Challenges
Couriers face risks of detection when shipping pills across borders, but use international trips to avoid customs flags.
“It might seem counterintuitive, but sending people abroad to pick up the pills in person turned out to be cheaper”
Long-Term Strategy
Community networks plan to double or triple their volume if mainstream abortion channels shut down.
“As far as our operations go, we will continue to provide the two-medication protocol”
Continued Resistance
Lena and other activists continue their work despite personal risks and exhaustion.
“This is one of the most tangible acts of resistance you can get”
Future of Access
Underground networks remain critical for abortion access as legal barriers increase.
“We will continue to provide the two-medication protocol, mifepristone and misoprostol, no matter what”
The short version
Community networks distribute abortion medication to women in red states who can't access care through mainstream channels.
