El Paso’s only abortion fund service returns after 4-year hiatus
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- West Fund, a non-profit that helps Texans pay and arrange out-of-state healthcare procedures, reopened their doors this month.
The organization is the only abortion fund in El Paso and they've paused operations for four years. Now they are back, what does this mean for El Pasoeans?
West Fund initially halted its financial and logistical assistance operations to protect staff, volunteers, and clients as legal uncertainties mounted over out-of-state travel support.
During that pause, residents in the El Paso region seeking out-of-state care had to navigate transportation, lodging, and medical costs entirely out-of-pocket or rely on broader statewide funds. ABC-7 asked West Fund's Hotline Manager how it feels to be the only abortion fund in the city.
"It's a little bit scary, a little bit sad because this is a necessity, but at the same time a little bit empowering because we're not scared to support someone that needs this help. We do this type of work because we care about our community. And if it's if it's not us, then who's gonna do it?"
While abortion services remain banned in Texas, neighboring states, including nearby clinics in New Mexico—continue to offer legal care. However, the physical proximity of neighboring facilities does not eliminate the financial hurdles for local families, such as gas, time off work, childcare, or travel expenses.
West Fund’s reopening means low-income and working-class El Pasoans will once again have access to direct financial relief, travel coordination, and bilingual grassroots guidance.
"People are still legally allowed to get all the information that is publicly available. So, just even looking for information, sometimes people are scared of that, but it is still a person's right to seek information."
Said Catalina Camacho, West Fund's Hotline Manager.
However Amy O'Donnell, a passionate advocate for the pro-life cause, serves as the Executive Director of Texas Alliance For Life strongly opposes WestFunds cause.
"There is no right to abortion in the Constitution, and abortion is not health care. Life is sacred, and ending a life is never sacred. And so it's unfortunate to see organizations twist words to try to make something that ends a life look more appealing." Said O'Donnell
ABC-7 asked O'Donnell why she thinks organizations like WestFund feel driven to provide out-of-state travel assistance.
"I can't imagine being a part of an organization, or leading an organization that recruits donors to give money to end lives. When there is so much support and health help available, ending a life is permanent, and the women who receive their support and go out of state for an abortion will have to live with the trauma of abortion and always wondering what if?"
Under the U.S. Constitution, states generally cannot criminalize actions that residents take outside their borders where those actions are legal. West Fund does not facilitate abortions within Texas they support individuals traveling to states like New Mexico, where reproductive healthcare remains legal. Providing information and financial relief for out-of-state travel falls under protected speech and logistical assistance rather than practicing medicine.
Camacho wrapped up with a reminder," Whatever they're facing, there will always be options. Like there will always be options. There will always be someone that is there to support them. Sometimes it's just hard to find that help. But we are here as a resource. We are here as part of the community."
