AcompañantAs

Acting in the shadows and often clandestinely, young women have taken on the task of accompanying their fellow women through the abortion process, and have developed a veritable support network that has spread transnationally, notably to the USA and LATAM

In the context of evolving legislation regarding abortion decriminalization in Latin America and the USA, we are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of young women who have made it their mission to support their peers in the abortion process, entirely free of charge and in a spirit of sisterhood, based on empathy, emotional support, and women's care. They are called "Acompañantas." A handful of them are spreading, building a true network of mutual aid and providing support at every stage of the abortion process, including legal advice.

This network is growing increasingly transnational, particularly in the United States and Central America, to counter the restrictions on reproductive rights. Women from different backgrounds, including mothers, students, sisters, or activists, are all united by a common cause: the right to control their own bodies. Like the green glimmers seen in feminist protests, they discreetly shine their light by operating in the shadows. The predominance of the church and conservative political groups has led to the development of a black market for misoprostol (the medication used for abortions), and abortions are often performed clandestinely. The misinformation and guilt- tripping of young women seeking abortions often result in traumatic experiences for them. Therefore, they face this ordeal hand in hand, where sharing and reciprocity make no distinction between those who provide support and those who terminate their pregnancies.