Health Equity Hub

Reproductive justice is "the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities," according to SisterSong: Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. The term was coined by a group of Black women in June 1994, broadening the view of issues related to sexual and reproductive health far beyond that of white-led reproductive health and rights organizations. Today, reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations work together to improve gaps in access and promote inclusive practices and policy solutions.

Racial justice is a core tenant of reproductive justice and an important movement in its own right. Racism permeates the nation's health care system, from discriminatory policies to inequities in resource distribution and underrepresentation in medical fields — leading to widespread health disparities between people of color and their white peers.

At 24 deaths per 100,000 live births, the United States has one of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates among industrialized nations. Black women are at a particularly high risk, with a maternal mortality rate more than three times that for non-Hispanic white women, while Indigenous women's rate is double that of white women. Public health agencies, experts, and advocates have responded to this crisis by launching numerous initiatives incorporating multi-disciplinary approaches to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

Immigrants in the United States face substantial barriers to health care due to a wide range of institutional barriers, regardless of their legal status. These include a five-year waiting period before documented immigrants can access Medicaid, a total ban on undocumented immigrants' access to ACA marketplace plans, and concerns about immigration enforcement actions at or near health centers. Many immigrant communities also face systemic discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and national origin, leading to poorer health outcomes including for family planning and sexual health.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) people deserve access to health care — including family planning and sexual health services — that is welcoming and meets their specific needs. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ people face substantial obstacles to receiving health care, leading to poorer health outcomes than those who identify as cisgender and/or heterosexual. Health care challenges are compounded by discrimination due to race, ethnicity, immigration status, income, and ability status. LGBTQ+ communities are disproportionately affected by HIV and need specialized medical care and social support without shame and stigma.

Family planning providers play a critical role in ensuring that all community members, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, receive appropriate, timely, and affordable health care services.

Health disparities among youth are due to many factors such as poverty, inadequate access to health care, and educational inequities. Many youth across the United States do not have access to comprehensive, medically accurate sex education, which negatively affects health and well-being. Access to sex education provides youth with accurate and evidence-based information about contraception, healthy relationships, sexuality, and helps youth plan for their future.

Youth without access to resources and support systems are at increased risk of homelessness, suicidal ideation, and sexually transmitted infections. LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness and are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.