Ohio's Statewide Abortion Fund Names Next Executive Director

Abortion Fund of Ohio Appoints Black Abortion Storyteller, Lexis Dotson-Dufault, as Executive Director

Columbus, OH —Today, Abortion Fund of Ohio announced the appointment of Lexis Dotson-Dufault (she/her) as the fund’s next Executive Director. Abortion Fund of Ohio (AFO) is a non-profit organization, providing financial assistance and practical support to help patients afford contraception, emergency contraception, and abortion services.

Lexis is a doula, abortion advocate, We Testify storyteller, and Advocates for Youth Co-Coordinator, and AFO’s Patient Navigation Program Manager, with a long history of leadership within & beyond the organization. “Almost five years ago when I had my first abortion, I could not imagine feeling empowered by my decision. It was not until I became part of AFO and the Reproductive Justice community that I realized my abortions are the reason I am powerful” said Lexis Dotson-Dufault.

In addition to lived experience and work in Reproductive Justice spaces, Lexi has strong foundations in management and education. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts in Social Policy and Trauma-Informed Education, focusing her studies on the school-to-prison pipeline. Following graduation, she joined the Reproductive Rights Activists Service Corps (RRACS) program at Hampshire College, which led her to intern, volunteer, then later serve on AFO’s Board of Directors.

“As the first Black Executive Director at AFO,” Lexi continued, “ I am committed to continuing the work of the Black women that have fought endlessly for us to have control of our own bodies and lives, and for our communities to live safely and healthily. Every single person deserves supportive, loving, de-stigmatized access to abortion care and I am honored to lead a team that has dedicated their life to ensuring this can be people’s reality in Ohio.”

Under Lexis’ leadership, Abortion Fund of Ohio’s Patient Navigation Program successfully doubled in staff, and tripled the number of patients supported. Dotson-Dufault’s dedication has been fundamental to the organization & movement’s collective growth.

“It’s truly been an honor to work alongside Lexi in my time at AFO,” said Interim Executive Director, Maggie Scotece, “Throughout this transition, our staff expressed the need for a pro-abortion, values-driven Executive Director. Lexi’s dedication and experience—not only as a Reproductive Justice leader, but also as a Black woman and abortion storyteller—make her a perfect fit for the job.”