A recent gathering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte revealed a focused effort to train young activists in “abortion support.” The two-day event, hosted by a youth collective, explicitly welcomed participants as young as fourteen years old, raising questions about the scope and nature of the training provided.
The training was spearheaded by the Youth Abortion Support Collective (YouthASC), a national network operating under the larger Advocates for Youth umbrella. Its core aim was to equip attendees with the skills and resources necessary to provide support surrounding abortion procedures, encompassing roles like “abortion doula,” companion, and support person.
Event materials described the training as an introduction to practical tools for abortion support work, specifically geared towards high school and college students. The curriculum extended beyond campus settings, exploring how to offer support within communities and sustain advocacy efforts beyond academic life.
A key component of the training centered on the concept of an “abortion doula,” defined by a partner organization as someone who can offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support to individuals before, during, and after an abortion. This role aims to provide comprehensive care beyond the medical procedure itself.
The program delved into both clinical and non-clinical abortion settings, covering both procedural and medical abortion methods. Participants also explored strategies for organizing within their campus communities to build supportive networks and expand access to resources.
This training represents a broader national initiative by YouthASC to make “abortion doula” training accessible to a younger demographic, specifically those aged fourteen to twenty-four. Similar programs, both online and in-person, have been conducted by Advocates for Youth at other campuses.
The group has also facilitated discussions on critical issues such as abortion funding for minors, the unique challenges faced by young people seeking care, and the evolving landscape of abortion access within specific regions.
University officials confirmed the event was hosted by a registered student organization, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to free expression. They stated the university serves as a “marketplace of ideas” and provides space for diverse viewpoints, while remaining neutral and adhering to legal and policy guidelines.
The university underscored that all student groups must comply with relevant policies, particularly those concerning minors and safety. The views expressed at student-organized events do not reflect the official stance of the university itself.
The emergence of “abortion doulas” as a formalized support role has also brought attention to the financial aspects of this service. While some doulas offer their services for free or on a sliding scale, others may charge several hundred dollars for their support.
This training event is part of a larger pattern of outreach to young people within the abortion advocacy landscape. Previous efforts have included the creation of children’s books designed to normalize abortion, distributed through organizations like Planned Parenthood and the Abortion Care Network.
