In 1973 Craver, Mathews, Smith & Co. launched the first direct response campaign for the National Rights Action League (NARL,)  now named Reproductive Freedom for All . That was the year Roe v. Wade was decided.

            That was also the time 51 years ago when women could not get a credit card in their own names, could not legally refuse sex with their husbands, lacked any guarantee against being fired if they became pregnant, and had no legal protections against sexual harassment. There were no female senators, and it would be two more years before the first female Supreme Court justice appeared on the bench.

            And for the next 51 years the pro-choice and anti-choice forces battled to keep or eliminate the nationwide right to abortion. Millions and millions of pieces of direct mail, billions of emails.  Countless  battles and grassroots mobilizations over control of Congress and the Supreme Court.  Scores  and scores of two-faced politicians.

            On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling the Dobbs case, taking away the constitutional right to abortion, abandoning almost 50 years of precedent, and paving the way for states to ban abortion.

            So, on this side of the battlefield, I’m still at it.  Doing everything I can to help  stem the assault, not only on reproductive rights, but also contraception, IVF, marriage equality and a host of other personal freedoms as a rising tide of extremism strives to prove that a minority can smother the will of the majority.

           Since The Agitator is a fundraising blog, I’ll spare you any more soapboxing (for now) and answer a question I’ve asked myself: “What’s the status of fundraising and constituency building on the pro-choice and anti-choice sides?”

            Here’s what I’ve learned.

Pro-Choice Advocacy and Financial Support

            Since the Dobbs decision, pro-choice organizations have experienced a substantial increase in donations. Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and EMILY’s List, among others, reported a 4,000% increase in donations immediately following the Dobbs decision, with over half of these contributions coming from new donors​.

            Those funds were strategically invested in political activities, including a $150 million + expenditure during the 2022 midterms for voter outreach, advertising, mobilization efforts, and PAC contributions to pro-choice candidates aimed at securing pro-choice majorities at all levels of government​ .

            As a result, pro-choice advocacy groups played a pivotal role in various 2022 elections, supporting pro-choice candidates in key states such as Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. In Ohio, they contributed significantly to grassroots mobilization, helping protect abortion rights through ballot measures​

            Additionally, crowdfunding efforts seem to have been successful, with over 398 campaigns raising more than $3.8 million from more than 50,000 donations. These funds primarily supported abortion access organizations like clinics and patient-aid.

Public Support for Pro-Choice

            Public support for abortion rights remains robust. Various polls indicate that a majority of Americans support legal abortion (63% to 36% )according to Pew Research. An NPR/Marist poll found that six in ten Americans favor abortion rights, reflecting strong public backing for the pro-choice movement​​. Further, state-level initiatives have demonstrated significant public support for protecting abortion rights, with successful ballot measures in states like California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon. These states have enacted protections such as shield laws for doctors and constitutional amendments to enshrine abortion rights​.

Anti-Choice Advocacy and Financial Support

            On the anti-abortion side, organizations like National Right to Life also experienced a notable increase in financial support following the Dobbs decision. These groups have effectively raised funds through both traditional donations and crowdfunding platforms, utilizing these contributions to bolster their advocacy, educational campaigns, and support for crisis pregnancy centers​.

            National Right to Life reported that about 89,000 “preborn” children have been saved due to new protective state laws enacted since the ruling. The organization’s 2024 report highlights key legislative achievements and estimates a significant reduction in abortions due to these laws​

            These organizations have leveraged increased funds to enhance their grassroots efforts, focusing on state-level legislation rather than national campaigns. Crisis pregnancy centers have become a cornerstone of their localized approach, offering alternatives to abortion and employing various tactics to dissuade women from seeking abortions.​

                           Public Support for Anti-Choice

            The right-to-life movement has faced challenges in engaging younger generations, who according to most polls hold more liberal views on social issues. While some young activists are deeply committed to the anti-abortion cause, there is a noticeable divide regarding their stance on abortion. A recent NPR/Marist poll indicated that a significant portion of the American public supports abortion rights, making it an uphill battle for anti-abortion activists​.

            In response, some anti-abortion groups are adjusting their messaging to appeal more broadly, focusing on secular arguments to build a more inclusive coalition. This approach aims to attract support from diverse demographics, including those who do not align with traditional religious or conservative views​  according to The Nation, a pro-choice publication​.

Summary View of the Landscape

            Both sides of the abortion debate have experienced significant financial and public support shifts since the Dobbs decision. Pro-choice organizations have leveraged increased donations to enhance their political and grassroots efforts, securing important victories and maintaining strong public support. Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups have bolstered their advocacy through substantial financial backing, focusing on state-level legislation and crisis pregnancy centers. However, they face ongoing challenges in engaging younger generations and adapting to a more inclusive approach.

            So, I’ll leave it to you, discerning Agitator reader to pick your own headline.

• Two Years After Dobbs: The Battle for Abortion Rights Rages On
• Funding Surge: How Pro-Choice and Anti-Abortion Groups Mobilize Post-Dobbs
• Pro-Choice Gains Momentum with Massive Donations and Public Support
• Anti-Abortion Movement Strengthens State-Level Efforts Amid Youth Challenges
• Crowdfunding Power: Abortion Rights and Anti-Abortion Groups Boosted by Donations
• Dobbs Decision Sparks a Financial Windfall for Advocacy Groups on Both Sides
• Generational Divide: Younger Voters Shape the Future of Abortion Debate

Roger