Three Rivers tattoo studio Portfolio Ink will be hosting a “My Body, My Choice” flash event on Saturday, July 29 benefitting the National Network of Abortion Fund (NNAF) and The Mariposa Fund. The shop will be offering flash tattoos and piercings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a way for the community to come together and support a woman’s right to choose. 

Studio owner Amber Ward told Watershed Voice the tattoos will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and those interested in participating should arrive early to secure an appointment spot. The shop has picked several tattoo flash images to choose from, and each design is $75. There is an additional $25 to add color to the image. This event is cash-only for tattoos, but cash and card payments will be accepted for piercings.

The NNAF’s states its mission is to build power with members to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice. According to the organization’s website, whether it is funding procedures, abortion pills, transportation and lodging when travel is required, childcare, doula and emotional support, or other needs voiced by people seeking abortions, these funds are crucial for finding innovative and compassionate ways to get people the abortions they want and need.

The Mariposa Fund was created in 2016 by abortion care providers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These organizers recognized the existing barriers for undocumented people trying to obtain reproductive health services, including abortions, and created The Mariposa Fund to provide support and further assistance. The organization’s website states that undocumented people face obstacles such as fear of criminalization, lack of access to health insurance, economic insecurity, linguistic barriers, and oppression rooted in white supremacy and xenophobia, and The Mariposa Fund hopes to offset the financial burden for that community to ensure they have access to abortion care. 

Portfolio Ink is located at 32 N. Main St. in downtown Three Rivers. More information on the “My Body, My Choice” event can be found on the shop’s Facebook page, or by calling the store directly at (269) 718-3846. 

Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.