Legal Resources

ACOG plays a pivotal role in legal advocacy in support of abortion by submitting amicus briefs to ensure that the courts hear an evidence-based expert voice on the role of abortion in health care. However, ACOG cannot provide members with legal advice. That’s why ACOG has asked trusted legal organizations to provide resources to our members to ensure that they are informed and supported.

Abortion Defense Network

The Abortion Defense Network connects people facing legal threats related to abortion care with attorneys who have volunteered to provide pro bono legal advice and representation in civil and criminal proceedings. Clinicians will be matched with attorneys who can help provide them with information and resources to understand their rights and defend themselves against legal proceedings related to providing and supporting abortion care. The initiative also includes legal defense funds to pay for attorney fees and other legal expenses.

Anyone in the United States working to provide or support abortion care can seek no-cost legal assistance from the Abortion Defense Network. The Abortion Defense Network is hosted by the Lawyering Project in collaboration with national law firms.

Reproductive Health Legal Assistance Project

Lawyers for Good Government provides legal guidance for reproductive health care professionals through the Reproductive Health Legal Assistance Project. This database includes links to legal research for 56 U.S. states and territories, a reproductive health digest newsletter, and a media collection project. The newsletter and media archives are immediately accessible and searchable by state or territory. Users must fill out a brief application to access the legal research, which is updated every single business day and continuing to grow with more questions. This is a free and accessible tool for all who need it.