The Itch.io Indie Bundle for Abortion Funds is live today with over 750+ games and a $50,000 donation goal for the National Network of Abortion Fund’s Collective Power Fund. After the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Itch.io will fundraise with its bundle until July 13.
Last week, Itch.io announced it was taking creator submissions to help with its Indie Bundle For Abortion Funds. Those submissions collected so far are live, with over 600 creators participating. While you can buy the bundle now and support Itch.io’s fundraiser, the company says it’s still taking submissions until July 6. You’ll still get any games Itch.io adds after your purchase, too.
At the time of publishing, the Indie Bundle for Abortion Funds has only been live for a few hours. However, it’s already at the $25,000 mark — that’s halfway to its donation goal. In the past, Itch.io has met and exceeded other fundraising goals with bundles for Racial Justice and Equality and Palestinian Aid.
If you're a game dev, designer, or other creator on itch who wants to get involved, we're still collecting submissions: https://t.co/I9ZnYwvbVt
— Caro Asercion ???????????? (@SeaExcursion) July 3, 2022
The platform’s chosen fund, the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), distributes donations throughout the southern and midwestern U.S. These are areas where abortion access has historically remained difficult, even before the recent Supreme Court decision. In 1973, the Roe v. Wade ruling meant an end to most federal and state abortion laws preventing access to reproductive care. Overruling Roe v. Wade’s precedent means reproductive rights are no longer protected at a federal level, and those seeking care in conservative states are the most at risk.
With abortion access laws left up to individual states, women of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and poor women are left vulnerable. In states like Texas, conservative politicians are already pursuing legislated violence against these communities on multiple fronts. Even prior to the decision on Roe v. Wade, Texas governor Greg Abbot demanded inhumane child abuse investigations into the parents of trans children pursuing gender-affirming care. At the same time, the state has been a battleground for implementing some of the country’s most heinous reproductive healthcare restrictions.
As a platform, Itch.io is most known for providing a home to indie games, particularly those of marginalized backgrounds. Its bundle reflects as much, providing a package of thoughtful experiences for a good cause. It’s only ten bucks to contribute, but Itch.io encourages those who can to give more, pointing out that “Reproductive justice is an issue that affects us all.” And they’re right, restricting access to abortion care imposes a rightwing theocracy that affects us all. It’s not a “difference of opinion” like arguments over tea versus coffee, it’s healthcare and these decisions kill people.
