In today's political climate, in which the mere mention of pro-choice support ignites controversy, choice advocates have some big balls. They'll be using them at the third annual Bowl-a-Thon for Abortion Access, a nationwide series of events to raise money to help low-income women and girls afford abortion care.

"This is a way to engage younger activists and people who don't have a lot of money but want to help," says Kim Lauren Pereira, Development and Communications Associate with Preterm, an independent abortion clinic in Cleveland. "Legal and safe doesn't mean a whole lot if you can't afford it. The funds raised go directly to women and girls who can't afford abortion procedures."

The event takes place on Thursday, April 26th beginning at 6:30 pm at Mahalls 20 Lanes on Madison Avenue in Lakewood. Although bowling teams -- which boast cheeky names like Roe All the Way, the Gutter Girlz and Lady Parts -- are already set, supporters can still donate to the cause. Anyone can come out to the event to cheer on their favorite teams and support affordable abortion care.

“By involving the community, we’re also fighting abortion stigma," said Laura Hauser, Board President of Preterm and a reputedly fierce bowler, in a news release. "We support women and trust them to choose for themselves, and doing so is about accepting and embracing the idea that abortion is a safe, legal procedure that’s part of comprehensive health care for women."

Source: Kim Lauren Pereira, Laura Hauser
Writer: Lee Chilcote