Reproductive Justice Maryland is a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to upholding and protecting every Marylander's freedom to make personal decisions regarding their reproductive health. Our mission is rooted in the principles of SisterSong and focuses on advocating for reproductive justice.
But what exactly is reproductive justice? The reproductive justice movement traces its roots back to June 1994, during a pivotal moment in the fight for equitable healthcare access. At a conference in Chicago, predominantly white attendees were discussing the Clinton Administration's proposed health care reform, which lacked emphasis on reproductive health care. Concerns were raised, particularly by the few Black women present, about the neglect of essential services like pre- and postnatal care, fibroid screenings, and STI tests. These women recognized that the reproductive choices of marginalized communities were often constrained by factors like income, housing, and systemic injustices in the criminal justice system.
In response to these disparities, 12 Black women leaders met in a hotel room and formed the Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice. This grassroots initiative sought to elevate the voices and concerns of Black women in the reproductive health care space. They purchased full-page ads in prominent newspapers like the Washington Post and Roll Call, featuring over 800 signatures calling for comprehensive health care reform that addressed the specific needs of Black women.
Three years later, the momentum continued as 16 organizations representing a diverse range of communities, including Black, Asian-American, Latina, and Indigenous women, united to form SisterSong. Based in Atlanta, SisterSong became a collective dedicated to advancing the reproductive and sexual health of women and gender-nonconforming people of color. Their collaborative efforts laid the foundation for the modern reproductive justice movement, emphasizing the intersectionality of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the fight for reproductive autonomy and equity. So, why is reproductive justice important? Reproductive justice transcends the confines of the conventional pro-choice movement. It encompasses not only the right to access abortion but also the rights to parenthood, informed decision-making regarding reproductive health, and the freedom to choose whether to have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities. This framework acknowledges that these fundamental rights are not equally accessible to everyone and recognizes the unique barriers and obstacles faced by marginalized communities in accessing reproductive healthcare.
Reproductive justice recognizes that reproductive rights intersect with other social justice issues, such as race, class, gender, and sexuality. It acknowledges that the fight for reproductive rights cannot be separated from the fight for racial justice, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. By addressing these intersections, reproductive justice advocates for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Reproductive justice is about ensuring that everyone has access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare, including reproductive healthcare. This means advocating for policies that expand access to contraception, abortion, prenatal care, and other essential services. It also means fighting against policies that restrict access to these services, particularly for marginalized communities.
Reproductive justice underscores individuals' right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and reproductive health. This includes the freedom to choose whether or not to have children, access contraception and abortion services, and parent in supportive environments. Reproductive justice advocacy focuses on enacting policies that protect and uphold these rights.
Recognizing the significant disparities in access to reproductive healthcare and outcomes, reproductive justice seeks to address these inequities. Marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income individuals, and LGBTQ+ individuals, often experience higher rates of unintended pregnancies, limited healthcare access, and poorer health outcomes. Reproductive justice endeavors to dismantle these disparities and ensure equitable access to care for all individuals.
Ultimately, reproductive justice is about creating a society where everyone possesses the freedom and agency to make decisions about their bodies and lives. By championing reproductive justice, we can work towards building a future that is more just, equitable, and inclusive for all Marylanders.
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