History of SAFE Maine

Safe Abortions For Everyone (SAFE) is an endowed, non-profit fund founded in 1989 by a group of 14 concerned Maine women who were witnessing the unjust two-tiered health system where people with means had access to abortion care and those without did not. With a vision for the future, they took action by fundraising what they called “radical money” and invested wisely to ensure growth and resources for abortion seekers for decades to come.

Present

We work with abortion providers in Maine, in New England, and around the country to ensure that Mainers and people traveling to Maine can get the abortion care they need. In 2023, we provided $79,753 in patient grants, serving 284 individuals, averaging $281 of support per person.  Our gift card program is in partnership with Maine Family Planning and Mabel Wadsworth Center. We supply the clinics with $25 and $50 cards, which they distribute to individuals who need them to help with the cost of transportation and after care supplies like menstrual pads .  We also offer educational programming and distribute reproductive wellness kits.

Embarking on a new chapter

After 35 years as a volunteer-run organization led by our board of directors, we have hired our first Executive Director, Abbie Strout-Bentes (she/her/hers). Abbie joins our team with over a decade of experience in the reproductive health, rights, and justice movements in Maine. With her support, we plan to expand our visibility and find new ways to decrease barriers to accessing abortion while supporting Maine’s clinics and abortion providers. Join our email list to keep up with our new projects!