FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2016
Contact: Amanda Williams
Texas Abortion Fund Works to Raise $75,000 for Abortion Access Despite Cyber Attacks
AUSTIN — This weekend, the Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity, a Texas abortion fund, is wrapping up a three-month-long community-wide Abortion Access “Bowl-a-Thon” fundraiser with the goal of raising $75,000 for abortion access. Bowl-a-Thon events are being held in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. The Bowl-a-Thon is a national series of fundraising events facilitated by the National Network of Abortion Funds.
On April 14, the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF) was the target of an apparent cyber attack during the most critical time period of their annual nationwide abortion access fundraiser. Lilith Fund is a Texas-based member of NNAF. As a result of the cyber attacks, the Bowl-a-Thon fundraising website was down for seven consecutive days, resulting in a severe decline in donations to the Lilith Fund. Despite the targeted cyber attacks, Lilith Fund and supporters are working around the clock to make up for funds lost during the time the website was temporarily down.
Efforts to expand access to safe abortion care are in direct response to the ongoing barriers created by an omnibus anti-abortion law, House Bill 2. This Texas law, passed in 2013, is responsible for the closures of nearly half the state’s abortion clinics. The Supreme Court heard arguments on Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt in March of this year, and a ruling is expected in June. This is the first time the Supreme Court has ruled on abortion since 2007.
“Abortion is a form of healthcare” said Amanda Williams, Executive Director of Lilith Fund, “We won’t let anti-choice bullies, whether online or at the legislature, prevent us from working to ensure that access to safe abortion care is a reality for the people we serve.”
Bowlers and their teams are encouraged to to be creative with costumes, fundraising, and team names in relation to what barriers to abortion they would most like to bowl over. “We think it’s essential for Texas communities to come together to fulfill this essential need in a fun and positive way,” said Schell Carpenter, President of Lilith Fund, “We’re proud to be breaking down barriers that prevent people from getting the abortion care they seek and we are excited that the community is coming together to support this crucial aspect of self-determination.”
Founded in 2001, the Lilith Fund is a non-profit organization that provides small grants to people in central and south Texas who need abortion care but cannot afford it. To show your solidarity with Lilith Fund, donate to the Bowl-a-Thon at bowlathon.nnaf.org and choose Lilith Fund as the recipient of your donation. You can also donate directly to Lilith Fund’s website at www.lilithfund.org.
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