About Us
Abortion Support Services Atlantic was founded by Shannon Hardy in 2012. At the time, anyone seeking abortion care on Prince Edward Island had to leave the province and travel to New Brunswick. This also meant paying for gas, a place to stay, taking time off work, or arranging child care if needed. As a doula and social worker in Nova Scotia, Shannon felt moved to action. She began meeting folks at the bridge and driving them to and from their appointments, helping them find a place to stay if needed. Along the way, friends and other advocates began to help out, until a formal volunteer directory began.
Today, ASSA has three coordinators and over 60 volunteers throughout the Atlantic provinces. Shannon has developed and delivered trauma-informed abortion support training coast to coast, from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia.
At its core, ASSA is a grassroots, volunteer-run group. We are a collective of people who are passionate about access to reproductive healthcare.
We provide non-medical support to anyone seeking abortion care in the Atlantic provinces.
This may include emotional or peer support, offering rides, gas cards, arranging for a place to stay. We might coordinate with organizations to help you find funding, arrange and pay for flights.
We do not perform clinical tasks, administer medication, or treat/diagnose symptoms. If anything is beyond our scope, we will refer you to a healthcare practitioner.
Who We Are
Shannon Hardy
Founder, Education Coordinator &
Abortion Support
Emma Duke
Communication Coordinator & Abortion Support
Bridget Graham
Volunteer Coordinator &
Abortion Support
Support Available
Peer Support
Our coordinators and volunteers can provide non-judgmental emotional and social support.
We provide trauma-informed care to reduce the stigma associated with abortion care.
If you would like to speak with someone who has had an abortion, we can also connect you with a peer support volunteer.
Transportation
Our volunteers can drive you to and/or from your appointment.
We can also offer gas cards, funding for taxis, bus, airfare.
Accompaniment to Appointment
If a person requests in-person support, our volunteers can accompany you to the clinic or hospital. While our volunteers are not permitted in the room during the procedure, they can remain in the waiting area.
If you would like a volunteer to provide in-person non-medical support with a medication abortion, please get in touch with us.
Accommodations
If you have to travel and need a place to stay, or if you require a private place to complete a medication abortion we can help.
We can help you find accommodations, and if needed we can help you cover the cost.
After Care Support
After your abortion you may want some comfort items. We can provide you with a comfort package that includes a homemade heating pad (made with rice), granola bars, fruit, tea, and a gift card to a local pharmacy.
We also have volunteers who can offer peer support.
Information, Resources & Referrals
Navigating the healthcare system can be confusing and intimidating.
ASSA can provide you with information on abortion services available in your area, we can share resources and when appropriate, refer you to other community organizations or your healthcare provider.
ASSA does not provide medical advice, diagnose or perform clinical duties.
If you would like to volunteer with us, please submit the volunteer form found here.
Contact Us
We are available through Facebook messenger, E-mail, or through Twitter direct message.
All communication remains confidential. Our coordinators are the only people who read and respond to messages.