Thirty years ago, a group of visionary Black women came together with a mission to address the unique health challenges faced by women and girls of color, especially Black women and girls. These challenges ranged from higher rates of infant and maternal mortality to increased incidences of breast cancer, fibroids, gender-based violence, and HIV/AIDS. Recognizing that traditional frameworks of reproductive rights did not fully encompass their experiences, these women coined the term “reproductive justice.” This concept integrates the principles of reproductive rights, social justice, and human rights, asserting the rights of individuals not just to have or not have children but also to parent their children in safe and supportive environments, free from violence and oppression.
The resolution notes the staggering disparities that continue to exist. Black women and gender expansive Black individuals are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to their White counterparts. Even when Black women experience severe complications or seek medical assistance, they are often dismissed or ignored by the healthcare system. This is compounded by the economic challenges and systemic racism that disproportionately impact Black communities, such as higher rates of unemployment, lack of access to health insurance, and exposure to environmental injustices like air and water pollution.
The resolution also addresses the fallout from significant judicial decisions, most notably the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Women’s Health Organization, which overturned nearly half a century of established constitutional protection for abortion rights. The removal of these protections has worsened the marginalization of Black women and other economically disadvantaged groups, who already face numerous barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare.
To address these issues, the resolution endorses several key policy measures. It supports the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Healthcare (EACH) Act, which seeks to repeal the Hyde Amendment and ensure abortion coverage regardless of health insurance status or geographic location. Furthermore, it backs the American Rescue Plan’s initiatives to combat racial disparities in maternal and child health outcomes, including extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a full year.
The resolution calls for a concerted effort from all sectors of government and society to tackle reproductive health inequities. This whole-of-government approach is exemplified by the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, which aims to provide comprehensive support for reproductive health.
Recognizing the broader implications of reproductive justice, the resolution affirms the need to ensure safe, supportive environments for individuals to parent their children. It stresses the importance of violence-free living conditions and robust socioeconomic support systems. It also highlights the interconnected nature of reproductive justice and voting rights, underscoring that access to the ballot box is crucial for protecting reproductive health, rights, and justice.
On a ceremonial note, the resolution encourages public officials, educators, healthcare workers, and all citizens to commemorate this anniversary and raise awareness about the reproductive justice movement. It also reinforces a commitment to continuing the fight for reproductive justice, aiming to dismantle systems of oppression that affect not just Black women and gender expansive individuals but all marginalized communities.
In essence, this resolution is a powerful acknowledgment of the past struggles and ongoing challenges faced by marginalized groups in the realm of reproductive health. It serves as a call to action for continued advocacy and policy change to build a more equitable society. By marking this 30th anniversary, the House of Representatives not only honors the legacy of the movement’s foremothers but also reaffirms its dedication to fostering a future where reproductive justice is a reality for all.
