Funding to support five community-based organizations and clinical providers across the state

Boston - The Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced $1.8 million in state funding awarded to a group of community-based organizations and clinical providers under the Reproductive Health Access, Infrastructure, and Security Grants program. The funding provides financial assistance to individuals seeking abortion care, while also improving the ability of abortion service providers to deliver high-quality care by supporting infrastructure and security upgrades. 

This allocation marks the second round of awards under DPH’s Reproductive Health Access, Infrastructure, and Security Grants program. The funding began in December 2024 and will continue through December 31, 2026. 

“It is essential for women’s health and economic wellbeing to have access to high-quality reproductive health care services,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for anyone to seek the care they need, while also supporting our hardworking service providers in making critical infrastructure and security upgrades that allow them to deliver safe, high-quality care. Massachusetts is proud to be a national leader in preserving and expanding access to reproductive health care, and we’re going to continue to make sure that patients and providers have the resources they need.” 

“Our administration remains committed to protecting and expanding access to reproductive health services, particularly in communities that have faced the greatest disparities in access,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants are critical to preserving the ability of all individuals to make the health care decisions that are right for them and have access to the services they need when they need them.”  

The increased demand for abortion services in Massachusetts since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 underscores the importance of supporting abortion providers in the state. This funding will enable Massachusetts residents as well as those traveling to Massachusetts for abortion care to receive safe, high-quality care in clinics with appropriate security and infrastructure. The grants also support all of Massachusetts’ abortion funds, which provide small grants to individuals who need financial support to access abortion care. 

Additionally, recipients will also upgrade facilities and equipment, increase physical and digital security, provide grants to patients to help them afford abortion care, and projects to maximize access to abortion services such as improving inter-organizational referrals and continuity of care. 

In awarding the grants, priority was given to organizations that demonstrated the capacity to reach people seeking abortion care, a commitment and plan for promoting racial justice and health equity, and the ability to work collaboratively with other community-based agencies to maximize access to sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion care. 

“These grants are an important step in our efforts to sustain reproductive health care in Massachusetts and will enable people to receive informed care when and where they need it,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “We’re proud to support the dedicated providers who are on the front lines of delivering these health care services.”  

“This funding will help us build stronger, more resilient systems that prioritize racial justice and health equity under the overarching effort to preserve the fundamental right to make informed decisions about one’s own reproductive health,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “We must continue to lead the nation in safeguarding reproductive health care because the well-being and autonomy of our citizens are paramount. We will always stand strong in our commitment to reproductive freedom.” 

New Reproductive Health Access, Infrastructure, and Security Grants recipients:

• Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund
• Four Women Health Services 

Existing Reproductive Health Access, Infrastructure, and Security Grants recipients:

• Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center
• Boston Medical Center
• Cambridge Health Alliance
• Health Imperatives
• HealthQ
• Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
• Tapestry Health
• Tides for Reproductive Freedom
• Women’s Health Services 

Statements of Support 

Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care:  
“This grant program helps?ensure that reproductive health care in Massachusetts remains?safe, accessible,?and readily available to anyone in need of care. At a time when reproductive freedom is being challenged across the nation, our Commonwealth continues to stand firm in its?commitment to ensure women maintain?control over their bodies and their health care, and protect those that provide that?care.?I thank the Healey-Driscoll administration for their leadership and work to get this funding out the door to these providers and organizations.”  

Representative Lindsay Sabadosa (D-1st Hampshire):
“In the wake of Dobbs, demand for abortion care in Massachusetts has risen and residents of Massachusetts have met the call, providing financial and practical support for those in our state and those traveling to Massachusetts for care. We have stood strong in the belief that people should be able to make their own choices about their reproductive health care. The organizations receiving this funding are on the front line of offering care and financial support. Their work is critical, and I am incredibly proud that, with this funding, the Commonwealth has reaffirmed its commitment to support choice and bodily autonomy.” 

Rebecca Hart Holder, President of Reproductive Equity Now:
“Our investments are an indication of our values. At this moment of crisis for reproductive health care, we are thrilled to see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health release grant funding to support abortion providers, infrastructure, and access funds in our state. These organizations are doing essential work to care for Massachusetts patients, and those traveling to our state for care, and these investments underscore the Commonwealth’s commitment to reproductive freedom in a post-Roe world.”