How to Get Involved with Reproductive Justice
Rev. Brandee mimitzraeim, 2nd Episcopal District
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization’s emphasis on one’s constitutional right to choose brought about a crisis in the Pro-Choice movement. The language of the Pro-Choice movement, used for 50 years, became irrelevant, and many historic Pro-Choice organizations began to use the term “reproductive justice.” Many new organizations began to form around the nation, claiming reproductive justice as a framework without ever addressing or acknowledging their own anti-Black biases. These organizations have essentially co-opted the chronically underfunded work of Black women, overshadowing decades-old work within Black spaces and shifting the focus away from the impact of centuries-old oppression on the bodies and lives of Black people. By using the language of reproductive justice and diversity, white Pro-Choice organizations pull from Reproductive Justice organizations that need your time, your attention, and your donations.
One way to tell the difference between Reproductive Justice organizations and Pro-Choice organizations using the Reproductive Justice framework is through their focus and organizational commitments. Reproductive Justice organizations are committed to the framework of Reproductive Justice and to the community from which Reproductive Justice was born. As such, organizations with roots and presence in Black communities, meaningful and long-standing relationships with Black institutions, and are led by Black people are more likely to be Reproductive Justice organizations. Organizations with a holistic emphasis on the health and well-being of Black people, including but not limited to abortion access, are more likely to be Reproductive Justice organizations. Most Reproductive Justice organizations are led solely by Black people and function within Black spaces alongside organizations from other communities.
Here are some Reproductive Justice organizations around the nation:
Black Mama’s Matter (Nationwide)
Interfaith Voices for Reproductive Justice (Georgia and Nationwide)
Sister Song Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective (Georgia and Nationwide)
Black Women for Wellness (California)
Black Women’s Health Imperative (Georgia)
Spark Reproductive Justice (Georgia)
New Voices for Reproductive Justice (Pennsylvania and Ohio)
Women with a Vision (Lousiana)
Sister Reach (Tennessee) – offers robust training on Reproductive Justice available nationwide.
The Afiya Center (Texas)
Here is a link to the Black Reproductive Justice Agenda (2021, updated): https://blackrj.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BlackRJPolicyAgenda.pdf.
