DeKALB – NIU’s Reproductive Rights Association (RRA) is sponsoring a charity drive selling shirts for the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) from now until Feb. 7.

The shirts display the RRA’s logo on the front and on the back they say “bodily autonomy for all-abortion is healthcare-reproductive rights are human rights.”

The RRA is a student group founded shortly after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade back in June 2022. Their goal is to promote reproductive health access, information and to act as a safe space for those seeking it.

“After Roe vs. Wade was overturned we felt the need to do something,” Annie DeCoro, social media chair of the RRA, said. “Something that would give agency and get involved for the students at NIU.”

Proceeds of the drive will be split evenly between the RRA, for planning future drives and events, and the CAF.

The Chicago Abortion Fund is an Illinois-based group seeking to promote reproductive rights and assist those in need of reproductive healthcare by offering aid via information, finance, logistics and/or emotional support. RRA chose the CAF as their beneficiary of this drive because of its mission to assist those not just in Illinois seeking access to reproductive health care, but those in surrounding states whose laws have banned abortion.

“We wanted to give to a platform that has a large impact in the country, not just the state,” DeCoro said.

Anyone who misses the drive or wishes to donate more can do so directly at the CAF’s website.

“When people think of reproductive groups, Planned Parenthood is the first that comes to mind,” said Lauren Price, vice president of the RRA. “They are already well funded but lesser known facilities don’t get the funding they do.”

Those interested in supporting the drive can visit the RRA’s Instagram page to pre-order from a selection of T-shirts, long sleeves and crew necks. Prices range between $30 to $40 and payments can be made via Cash App, Zelle, cash or payment upon pickup.

According to DeCoro and Price, the RRA is organizing “Conflicts in Abortion Law” from noon to 1 p.m. Monday at the Swen Parson Hall Room 186. Robert Jones, associate professor of the college of law faculty, will speak about state laws conflicting with the legality of abortion.