Passing the Torch—A New Chapter for Abortion Fund of Ohio
Since March 2022, Abortion Fund of Ohio (AFO) has grown immensely under the leadership of Interim Executive Director, Maggie Scotece. AFO’s Board & staff extend our heartfelt thanks & congratulations to Maggie as they join the Reproductive Rights Law Initiative at Case Western Reserve University. In this role, Maggie will continue their path as a bold leader in reproductive rights law, fighting against abortion restrictions & pregnancy criminalization. AFO looks forward to continued collaboration with Maggie & the RRLI team!
Over the last year, AFO has conducted a diligent search for a permanent Executive Director—a visionary with the values and skills we need to thrive. Following an intensive interview & selection process, Abortion Fund of Ohio is proud to name Lexis Dotson-Dufault as our next Executive Director!
Lexi is a doula, abortion advocate, We Testify storyteller, and Advocates for Youth Co-Coordinator. She’s a first-generation college student and former foster youth passionate about abolition, Black liberation and the perseverance through generational trauma with mutual aid, community care, and trauma-informed care. Lexi is one of AFO’s current Patient Navigation Program Managers, 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 Lexi, “As the first Black Executive Director at AFO, 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.”
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.
“It’s truly been an honor to work alongside Lexi in my time at AFO” said 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.”