- The "Auntie Network" is a group of Redditors who offer help to those seeking abortions.
- The subreddit contains posts offering places to stay and transport to abortion clinics.
- The group was started in May 2019 and now has over 62,000 members.
A support system of Reddit users called the "Auntie Network" has sprung into action to help people seeking abortions amid growing concerns over the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade.
The network consists of "Aunties" who offer transport, a place to stay, and care for those looking to undergo the procedure. The group, which brands itself as "a place to help anyone who has a uterus," currently has more than 62,000 members.
The subreddit saw a significant surge in membership numbers in September last year after the Supreme Court refused to block a restrictive Texas abortion ban from becoming law.
The group saw another uptick in membership after Monday's leak of a Supreme Court majority draft opinion that signaled the court's intention to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case that set the legal precedent in 1973 for abortion to be legalized across the US.
The "Auntie Network" was created in 2019 and has hosted posts written by people across America who readily offer aid to those seeking abortions.
The group's index page defines an "Auntie" as "someone who is offering help to another person that needs reproductive assistance." It also advises aunties on the products to prepare for those who come to them seeking help, including sanitary products for use after surgical abortions and over-the-counter medicines that can be taken to ease nausea after a procedure.
The Washington Post spoke to the group's lone moderator, a Reddit user who goes by the user ID "LallybrochSassenach." The moderator told The Post that she had been an abortion clinic escort for two decades, adding that things had been "crazy" on the forum since the SCOTUS draft opinion was leaked.
The moderator added that she had been reviewing posts on the forum to make sure hateful comments could be taken down promptly, per the outlet.
Insider viewed multiple posts from "Aunties" based in Texas, which has one of the country's most restrictive abortion regulations.
"Please reach out if you need assistance! I am not online a lot, but I read all messages," read a message from a user called "North East Texas uncle and auntie." "Housing, transportation, assistance in getting out of a bad situation. Food, comfort, a listening ear," the message read.
Meanwhile, an "Auntie" in Michigan posted an offer to drive women across the border to Canada, where Americans will still be able to get abortions even if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
"As an American, it's very easy to get into Canada so long as you don't plan to overstay your entry or anything like that (and for this, there's no reason to think you would)," the Reddit poster wrote, offering "a room and a ride."
"I live in Detroit proper, very close to the border," the user added. "Michigan is a trigger law state, but the border is very accessible. If you are in the Midwest or near the south and don't have a better option — I have a car and a passport and a guest room."
Thirteen US states have "trigger" laws that could lead to the swift banning of abortions if the Roe v. Wade decision comes to pass.
Another "Auntie" in Cleveland, Ohio, wrote that they live "about 10 minutes from the Cleveland planned parenthood," even offering a "last mile" drive to anyone who wants to get into the state for an abortion.
"Also happy to take you to the rock and roll hall of fame and take lots of pictures so you don't have to tell anyone the real reason you came here if you don't want!" they wrote. "Abortion is still accessible in Ohio (for now)!"
