In 1977, the Hyde Amendment eliminated Medicaid funding to pay for the costs of an abortion; Pro-Choice Resources responded by creating the Hersey Abortion Assistance Fund (HAAF) to assist low-income women with the costs of abortion. Below are a few stories in verbatium from HAAF recipients. Please note: names have been changed. If you're a HAAF recipient and want to share your story, please contact us.

"I'm sure you probably get plenty of hate mail but I think what you guys do is great. You made it possible for me to continue on with my dreams so I can have a good financial life before I try to take care of another person. Thanks again." -Sarah, age 21

"I just want to say thank you.  Without the Hersey fund I would not have had a choice." -Unique, age 28

"My husband and I were pregnant with our second child.  We were happily expecting our second son and the completion of our family.  Sadly at 17 weeks conception we learned that our son had Down’s Syndrome.  We had no way of knowing to what degree his disabilities would be – or the care he would need.  With our ages, older, we knew we would not be around to care for our son as long as he would need us.  It was with great thought and love that we decided to end our pregnancy.  The Hersey Abortion Assistance Fund was there at a time when we needed financial help to do this.  We were fortunate to be able to pay them back so others could use this fund as need arose.  All of life is about choices – and this is a choice only a woman and her support system can make.  Thankfully there are such supports available.  We were able to get pregnant again- and our twin baby girls are healthy and we are very happy that we had a choice.  And people and places to help us with our choice.  Thank-you once again." -Donna, age 36

"I would not have been able to do this procedure without your help.  I made a mistake, and was not ready for a baby. I just wanted to say thank you for your help.  Thank you" -Olivia, age 17

"I was 29 with a 11 year old and a 2 year old, I was in a very bad abusive relationship with a man and I got pregnant, I knew from the start that I couldn't keep the baby, I knew that I would be stuck and have to take the abuse forever, and even worse I knew that my children would have to endure the abuse if I stayed. I had nowhere to go, no money and no one to talk to. I called the Hersey Abortion Assistance Fund number and for the first time in 2 months I felt I could breathe again, the lady that I talked to seemed so caring and understanding. They don't just give you money they help you emotionally and when you go through something like that it means more than all the money in the world. I could never thank them enough. And just so you know I got rid of the boyfriend, and me and my 2 kids have never been better.. Thank you so much" -Denice, age 30

"Hersey was very helpful and I appreciate their help.  To Whom it May Concern, I want to thank all the companies that funded money to the clinic to help me with my finicial problems.  I really appreciate the help and hope God bless you all.  I felt God sent me angels when he sent you all to me.  Thank you very much." -Maria, age 24

"I would like to thank you so much for donating me money to go along with my abortion. This was not easy for me at all. But when I began contacting your funding program, it made me feel so relieved to find women that cared and who were helpful. Without your funding program, this would be a difficult thing for me to handle. It has been a wonderful experience to come in contact with you and the staff. Once again, thank you!" -Jamie, age 29