5 Reproductive Justice Organizations You Can Support After the Election

The past week post-election has been full of grief for many — particularly for many Black women and other folks of color who feel Donald Trump's win is a personal affront on their rights. But while we must take time and space to mourn, this moment should also move us to action.

For many, Trump's win raised immediate fears of legislative backsliding on life-altering reproductive rights, freedoms, and care. Given his administration's attacks on bodily autonomy, the need for sustained support in reproductive justice work has never been more urgent. The importance of supporting organizations focused on reproductive justice is a matter of collective survival, dignity, and liberation.

Reproductive justice (RJ) is not only about access to abortion, although this is of course an urgent issue and has been one of the major focus points since Roe v. Wade was overturned. RJ is wholly about ensuring the right to have children, the right to not have children, and the right to parent in safe and supportive environments. It's vital to point out that these safe and supportive environments include access to prenatal care, affordable childcare, paid family leave, and economic opportunities that lend to a positive parental experience.

As we face an administration actively working to undermine these rights, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the marginalized communities, those already most at risk, have the resources they need to organize, advocate, and work toward fighting for these fundamental freedoms. When looking at the staggeringly bleak maternal and infant health outcomes for Black people and other people of color, it is clear that we all need to be invested in the fight. In Our Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda conducted a poll illustrating the negative outcomes related to reproductive health and found that nearly 7 million Black women ages 15-47 live in a state that has banned abortion or is likely to. This alarming number, combined with a projected 39 percent increase in Black maternal deaths if abortion were banned in every state, shows just how vital this fight for autonomy is.

Given what Trump ran his campaign on, it's clear that the struggle for reproductive justice will face even greater obstacles in the coming years. But we don't have to sit idly by; immediately, we can start financially supporting organizations centering the health outcomes of Black people and people of color. The resilience of these RJ organizations continue to be a beacon of hope, and your financial support can help ensure that they can continue to positively impact the community and thrive. In addition to donating, we can support them by following them on social media, subscribing to their email lists, attending events, volunteering our time, and elevating their messaging to new people.

An Umbrella Organization Making an Impact Across the US

SisterSong is the largest national multiethnic reproductive justice collective, centering their work around maintaining personal bodily autonomy whether your decision is to have children or not to have children. They provide reproductive-justice training and workshops nationwide, as well as conduct policy work and advocacy to try to ensure autonomy and liberation. SisterSong prioritizes access to reproductive care, ranging from abortion to sexual health education, STI prevention and care, adequate prenatal and postnatal care, and much more. Its birth justice fund pays for essential services and items, and it also offers a birth worker directory for Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina residents. Donate here.

An Organization Combating the Effects of Texas's Abortion Ban

The Afiya Center (TAC) works to educate the public on harmful reproductive health and abortion policies in Texas, which has a total abortion ban. They also try to combat the stigma and fear tactics currently facing Black women seeking abortion. They offer HIV testing and education, mutual aid support, and full spectrum doula services to Black families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. TAC is the only RJ organization in North Texas that has self-identified as being founded and directed by Black womxn. They focus on impacting other Black womxn and girls through education, resources, and refuge, while uplifting the voices of Black womxn in this journey toward reproductive freedom. Donate here.

An Organization Focused on Sexual Health Education

SisterLove is the first women's HIV, sexual, and reproductive justice organization in the southeastern United States, founded in 1989. They work to decrease stigma, discrimination, and violence through policy research, publications, and advocacy. Across Atlanta, SisterLove offers comprehensive sexual health services like free HIV/STI screenings, care, and support. The organization also funds clinical trials and public health research that address sexual health barriers specific to Black women, women of color, and marginalized communities. Donate here.

An Organization Fighting the Maternal Mortality Crisis

Shades of Blue Project strives to improve birthing outcomes specifically related to the maternal mortality crisis among Black women, as well as provide mental health support in the prenatal and postnatal periods. The organization participates in policy work and advocacy and offers social support services to Black mothers in Houston. Founder Kay Matthews also created Black Maternal Mental Health Week (BMMHW), which focuses on identifying challenges, creating solutions, and offering a compassion-centered training for healthcare workers like doulas, midwives, and clinicians. Donate here.

An Organization Supporting Black Mamas

Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), led by Angela Doyinsola Aina, is an alliance that serves as a national voice and coordinating entity for various organizations that work toward advancing maternal health. BMMA centers Black moms and birthing people to ensure they can flourish before, during, and after pregnancy. They provide training, technical assistance, and capacity building help for grassroots organizations, maternity care service providers, academia, and the public health industry. BMMA has many partners, connections, and collaborations across the United States, including some of the organizations listed above. Donate here.

Natasha Marshall is a Chicago-born and Houston-based women's health advocate who's passionate about reproductive health, body image, and self-esteem. She holds a Master of Public Health in health promotion and behavioral science and is currently working to make education, contraception, and reproductive care more accessible for Houston women.