Racial & Reproductive Justice

Racial & Reproductive Justice

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. 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. All of these factors lead to widespread health disparities between people of color and their white peers. Racial justice movements push all Americans, including health care providers and administrators, to tackle these issues head-on and work for a more just future.