DWT Pro Bono & Social Impact’s Post

Rx grant partner and colleagues with In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda recently released their "Lives and Voices of Black Families in 2024" report, after surveying thousands of Black adults about their views on reproductive justice, abortion, and much more. Here are some of their key findings ⬇ This polling research is one of the most trusted resources in demanding action on advancing Reproductive Justice. It can be used by policymakers, the media, nonprofits, and other parties who want to understand the views and lives of Black adults in America. Access the full national polling data here: https://lnkd.in/gajRP4yJ Access state level polling data (available for CA, GA, LA, MI, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA) here: https://lnkd.in/g9FJg2ut #ReproductiveJustice #Abortion #ReproductiveHealth #HealthJustice

As we celebrate three decades of the Reproductive Justice (RJ) movement, we also recognize there has been an intentional and unintentional co-opting of RJ. Abortion rights, or the right “not to have a child,” has been made central to the mainstream pro-choice narrative, propagated by (white) American feminism. While RJ, reproductive health, and reproductive rights are related, they are not interchangeable. So, what is RJ? An expansive and holistic framework that addresses the intersectional nature of Black liberation ➡️ RJ proclaims the right to bodily autonomy and sovereignty, and offers strategies toward access to dignified and equitable care ➡️ RJ prioritizes a commitment to protecting and valuing Black lives and Black leadership through movement building and organizing. ➡️ RJ pushes for equal access to human rights and well-being while bringing an awareness to the reality of racialized factors in human care. This movement is about creating a world where all people have the resources, power, and self-determination to make decisions about their bodies, families, and futures. What might that look like? We invite you to imagine with us. Learn more about the Race, Healing and Joy initiative at: https://lnkd.in/grnW9fJJ #ReproductiveJustice #BlackLeadership #2024Election #HumanRights #PastPresentFutureofRJ

🚨 As a queer Black parent and advocate for inclusive family-building practices, I am deeply troubled by Alabama's recent ruling equating embryos with children. This decision not only undermines the reproductive rights of individuals but also disproportionately harms Black and LGBTQIA families. 🚨 The ruling, citing the Sanctity of Life Amendment, mandates that embryos be treated as children under the law. This means that every state law involving "children" must now be extended to embryos, including criminal laws up to and including homicide. This is a dangerous precedent that could criminalize reproductive choices and jeopardize the health and safety of individuals seeking fertility treatments. Additionally, the ruling imposes strict limitations on fertility treatments, requiring doctors to create just one embryo at a time and transfer only one embryo, regardless of its quality. This restrictive approach not only interferes with medical decisions but also adds emotional and financial burdens to individuals already facing challenges in building their families. As we continue to fight for reproductive justice and equality, it is crucial to stand in solidarity with Black and LGBTQIA families who are disproportionately affected by these harmful policies. We must advocate for policies that respect individual autonomy and support diverse family structures. #ReproductiveJustice #BlackFamilies #LGBTQIAFamilies

🌟 Elevating the Fight for Reproductive Freedom in Texas! 🌟 In January, I proudly accepted the role of Executive Director at Avow, an unapologetic Texas abortion advocacy organization. As a native Texan, returning home to this site of freedom fills me with both thrill and honor. Stepping into this role, I carry a deep sense of responsibility rooted in the principles of Black feminist leadership, energized and prepared for the deep relationship building that underpins our work. Texas needs our attention now more than ever! The current trajectory of our state legislature does not reflect the views and needs of Texans. Any attempt to restrict abortion, especially measures that criminalize it, perpetuates state-sanctioned violence. Abortion is a vital aspect of healthcare that contributes to our personal freedom. To learn more about how Avow leads the fight for reproductive freedoms in Texas, check out this announcement: https://lnkd.in/eYCyc8dg As a new Executive leader, I draw inspiration from one of my Black Feminist North Stars, Ancestor Septima Poinsette Clark, who wisely said: "The fight for justice is a long journey, and we must continually renew our commitment to the struggle." In these challenging times, I urge each of you to find a resource, a comrade, or a practice that renews your commitment to principled struggle. While I settle into this role, I implore each of you to keep a watchful eye on Texas. There's important work ahead of us, and together, we can build people power that contests these political conditions! Let's rise to the occasion and recommit to our pursuit of justice. #ReproductiveFreedom #BlackFeministLeadership #TexasAbortionAdvocacy #PrincipledStruggle

Interesting perspective from JD Vance, as reported by Axios: a "zero shame policy" that states, "Never back down, never admit fault and never apologize." It's worth noting that these statements can be applied by those on various sides of important issues. For me I think of reproductive rights...supporters of Roe v. Wade may consider adopting a similar stance of unwavering advocacy. To those continuing to fight for reproductive freedom: your persistence and dedication are vital. Stand firm in your convictions and continue to make your voices heard. What are your thoughts on applying such a policy to advocacy work? #ReproductiveRights #Advocacy #PublicPolicy #RoeVWade #staystrong

For years, Black women have pointed out that our vision of reproductive rights must go beyond Roe. That’s why on what would be the 51st anniversary of #RoevWade, we must #TrustBlackWomen and demand Reproductive Justice: a world where everyone has the human right to bodily autonomy and can live in communities safe from police violence, that are sustainable for future generations, that support a thriving democracy, and with economic stability. Ready to learn more about how we secure Reproductive Justice, bodily autonomy, and thriving communities? Follow @SisterSong_WOC now!

TONIGHT! Join AAPD's Maria Town and Planned Parenthood's Callie Wells for a fireside chat to discuss reproductive rights, access to abortion, and the impact of the current state of reproductive rights on the disability community on March 25 at 8pm ET. It has been almost two years since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade and denied far too many people of their rightful autonomy over their bodies and reproductive health. Since Roe was overturned, we've continued to see attacks on people’s bodily autonomy at the state and federal levels. These attacks are hitting marginalized populations the most, including disabled people and disabled people of color. Partnering with Planned Parenthood Federation of America, AAPD is hosting a fireside chat to explore: -The impact of abortion access restrictions on the disability community -The upcoming mifepristone case before the Supreme Court -How these issues disproportionately affect marginalized communities and the disability community Don't miss this important conversation: https://bit.ly/4akMYVt #ReproductiveRights #DisabilityRights #BansOff #BansOffOurBodies

🗓Today marks the second anniversary of Roe v. Wade being overturned – a momentous decision that's aftershocks continue to shake the foundations of our rights in the United States. 💪The Women's Law Center remains unwavering in its commitment to upholding and advocating for the bodily autonomy of all Marylanders, particularly those most marginalized: Black women. ⚖️As we reflect, we also look to the future. Maryland voters can enshrine reproductive rights within the Maryland State Constitution this November! The proposed constitutional amendment will guarantee the right to reproductive freedom in Maryland, encompassing the ability to make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end one's pregnancy. 💵Protecting reproductive rights is crucial for bodily autonomy, physical safety, and economic security. Access to abortion and reproductive freedom directly impacts economic stability, allowing individuals to make decisions that best support their financial and personal well-being. 📊The economic consequences of restricting reproductive rights are stark. According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, states with severe abortion restrictions have cost the U.S. economy $68 billion. These restrictions harm not only individuals but also our collective well-being. 🕯️On this day, we light a candle for the rights we've lost and ignite a beacon of hope for the future we're striving to build – a future where the physical safety, economic security, and bodily autonomy of all are protected. Ignite hope today: https://bit.ly/3UCRkk3 #BodilyAutonomy #ReproductiveRights #WLCMaryland #vote

Thank you, Jessie R. For your thoughtful paper. May I suggest a short version to expand the audience for this important analysis?

Felon 45 and MAGA are not “weird!” They are “authoritarians,” “conscienceless shapeshifters”! LIARS ⚠️. “Trump’s and Vance’s behavior, on the other hand, reflects something more troubling. Their views toward women and reproductive rights, for example — demeaning the former and opposing the latter — are inappropriate and deservedly in the minority. But those views, unfortunately, are not rare enough to be truly weird. In fact, in contemporary America, Trump and Vance are normal, predictable and readily understood. They are ordinary, self-serving politicians, conforming to the demands of those who have rewarded their behavior! It seriously misrepresents the nature of Trump’s and Vance’s departure from liberal values to treat weirdness as their headline flaw. Using “weird” as a term of mockery, as though that’s the best descriptor of Trump and Vance, may be politically advantageous right now. But it denigrates the truly weird. It’s more accurate to call Trump and Vance liars, authoritarians, conscienceless political shape-shifters and wrong on policy. Those are ample, and more appropriate, reasons to vote against them.“