Abortion Care in the South: The Journey of Calla Hales
Calla Hales, the 36-year-old CEO of A Preferred Women’s Health Centers, stands firm in her mission to provide abortion care despite facing threats and harassment. Her organization operates clinics in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, and in Augusta and Atlanta, Georgia.
Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, the landscape for abortion providers has been fraught with danger. Eleven providers have been murdered in the US and Canada since 1973, with 26 more wounded by violence.
Calla Hales’ Personal Challenges
Hales’ personal experiences have fueled her pro-choice advocacy. During her pregnancies, she suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, leading to severe nausea and complications post-birth. Her account of enduring these challenges without adequate medical support during a blood shortage highlights the risks associated with childbirth.
Despite choosing to endure these difficulties, Hales emphasizes the importance of having a choice, especially in light of the US maternal mortality rate, which is the highest among high-income countries.
Family Legacy in Abortion Care
Hales’ parents opened their first clinic in Raleigh in 1998, motivated by a personal tragedy involving a friend who died by suicide after being unable to obtain an abortion. Her father, a surgeon, embraced abortion care as part of a commitment to community health.
Growing up, Hales learned to navigate the security concerns surrounding her parents’ work. This background shaped her understanding of the challenges and stigma associated with abortion in the South.
Navigating Change Post-Roe
The overturning of Roe v. Wade brought significant changes. While Georgia implemented a six-week abortion ban, North Carolina has a 12-week ban with a mandatory 72-hour waiting period. Hales’ clinics have adapted to these shifts while continuing to serve patients from states with stricter bans.
Hales recounts the challenges of operating under increasing pressure. Her clinics have faced protests, with groups like “Love Life” organizing demonstrations that required police intervention.
Safety and Advocacy
Safety remains a concern for Hales, who is vigilant in her personal and professional life. Despite these challenges, the work of providing abortion care remains deeply meaningful to her. Hales values the direct impact she can have on patients’ lives, from offering discounts to connecting them with trusted services.
Through her work, Hales has met activists and community members dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. Her experiences underscore the disparities faced by people of color, particularly in encounters with law enforcement.
While uncertain about future legislative changes, Hales remains committed to keeping her clinics open and accessible to those in need, driven by a personal commitment to what she can live with.
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