ACT x MAB: Partnering for Tennessee Abortion Access
A new chapter in southern liberation and Reproductive Justice…
Abortion Care Tennessee (ACT) and Mountain Access Brigade (MAB) are merging! After years of working closely to support abortion seekers across Tennessee, this merger allows us to combine forces, amplify our impact, and offer stronger, more coordinated support to those traveling out of state for abortion care.
MAB is not a 501(c)(3), so ACT is now serving as their fiscal sponsor. In our merger, we’ll continue to work together under one organizational umbrella while maintaining separate financial structures and funding models to honor the distinct approaches and community commitments of both groups.
Why This Merger Matters
This isn’t just a name change, it’s a shift in power, strategy, and support.
Tennessee’s post-Dobbs legal environment has made in-state abortion access almost impossible.
Our patients now face travel, lodging, and childcare expenses, in addition to procedure costs.
Resources are more limited than ever and demand is growing fast.
By merging, ACT and MAB can:
End competition for donors, volunteers, and infrastructure
Pool funding for higher dollar amounts per client
Centralize operations through ACT’s paid staff and MAB’s doula support
Double our statewide reach while staying grassroots and values-driven
Merging with Mountain Access Brigade
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Support Line Pledges: MAB hosts a warm line for Tennessee patients staffed by trained abortion doulas Monday - Friday. The funding tiers for this support line are based off of gestational age. Pledges will be emailed to the clinic from . Patients are required to share some form of ID so that we may verify their age. Our support line offers Spanish language services. Patients may call or text 855-888-6228.
Block Grant Model: ACT provides block grants to the neighboring clinics that see the majority of traveling Tennessee abortion patients. ACT recommends clinics provide funding to patients in line with MAB’s funding tiers if possible.
Email Pledges and Emergent Funding: Our funds share a budget for high need cases in order to fully fund TN minors, DV cases, and undocumented patients to the best of our abilities.
*Any person living in Tennessee is eligible to receive funding from both of our funds. We have no other requirements other than being a Tennessee resident.
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MAB is a network of abortion doulas and care advocates who walk with Tennesseans through every step of their abortion journey.
Founded in 2016 as the Knoxville Abortion Doula Collective, we became MAB in 2020 to better meet the growing need for support across the state. We provide:
Compassionate guidance through abortion or miscarriage
Confidential decision-making support
Financial assistance for abortion procedures
*A doula is a non-medical professional trained to support people during a major medical experience, including abortion. Our doulas do this work with love, confidentiality, and zero judgment.
Live in Tennessee & Need Help from MAB?
We got you.
Our support line is encrypted and 100% confidential. Whether you need funding, travel help, or just someone to talk to, we’re here for you.
Step 3:
If approved, we send funds directly to the clinic handling your procedure.
You’ll never have to worry about reimbursement delays, paperwork, or awkward conversations.