While we fund abortion for Texas teens and help young people find birth control, we’re also working to change the laws and break down the barriers that young Texans face when making reproductive health decisions. Young people should be at the front of the
movement for youth reproductive rights, so in 2018 we launched our first cohort of Youth Advocacy Fellows, young people who had abortions as teens and now share their stories to create change.
Since launching in 2018, our Youth Advocacy Fellows have:
- Had their stories published in Teen Vogue, The New York Times, Washington Post, Rewire, and other outlets.
- Advocated for the introduction of the My Body, My Future Act at the Texas legislature. This bill would repeal the requirement for parental consent for teens seeking prescription birth control in Texas.
- Spoken at the national Rally for Abortion Justice in Washington, DC.
- Met with federal lawmakers to discuss the importance of abortion rights for young people.
- Created the podcast about their experiences accessing abortion as teens, Jane is Not a Virgin.
- Taken part in the Youth Capitol Takeover and Texas Abortion Funds Advocacy Day at the Texas legislature in 2023.
We develop and center the leadership of the Youth Advocacy Fellows. They develop our legislative agenda during the session. And we provide mentorship and stipends throughout their entire multi-year cohort, ensuring they have the support they need to truly participate meaningfully in advocacy activities.
