The Abortion Fund for Social Justice, “Women, Abortion, Reproduction and Accompaniment,” announced this week the launching of the “Maria Network,” a program which finances abortions for poor women in Mexico City using U.S. dollars.

The network operates by sidestepping legal roadblocks to abortion implemented by numerous Mexican states by bringing low-income pregnant women to Mexico City where they can obtain legal abortions.

The Abortion Fund for Social Justice is part of the National Network of Abortion Funds, based in the United States.

Eugenia Lopez Uribe, the network coordinator, told reporters that the “Maria Network” has been operating for six months and is supported by donations and volunteers.

The organization also provides technical assistance to pro-choice groups such as the Population Council, Gire, Ipas and the self-proclaimed Catholics for a Free Choice.