Our Stories. Our Choices.
Historic Injustices Meet Modern Struggles
Reproductive rights have been a longstanding conversation, especially for historically marginalized communities. In a society striving for equality, the repeal of Roe v. Wade on June 24th, 2022, was a huge setback for rights and equality nationwide. According to data, states with restrictive or complete abortion bans showed higher rates of maternal death as opposed to more permissive states.
Recognizing All of the Intersections of Reproductive Health
Is Crucial to Achieving True Reproductive Justice
The beginning of life sets the stage for each individual's unique reproductive healthcare experiences. However, the narratives surrounding these life-long journeys have consistently been hushed up as " closed-door conversations.”
Abortion rights, once safeguarded by Roe v. Wade, represent just one complex hue in the full range of reproductive health care. Ensuring doors stay open to engage in informed dialogues is essential to making decisions that support our needs and guarantee our rights, including maternal care, access to contraceptives, and mental health support.
An Illustration by Virginia Native, Alyssa George Highlighting the Various Intersections of Reproductive Justice
Virginia stands as the only southern state providing abortion care, but our reproductive health disparities have worsened due to increased demand from neighboring states. With 21 states restricting or banning abortions nationwide, already strained health support systems. like clinics and abortion funds, have faced additional pressure supporting both local communities and out-of-state patients.
Advocating for All Reproductive Health Rights
The true stories of reproductive health involve personal challenges, social debates, political tensions, and the urgent need for comprehensive protections. We all have unique needs; why don’t our systems support them?
Our Stories.
Our Choices.
In partnership with the ACLU of Virginia, the RJ Storytelling Project is a campaign by Birth in Color that advocates for diverse conversations around reproductive health care. We aim to present new perspectives by highlighting some challenges Virginians face.
"Reproductive justice is about more than just the right to abortion. The recent decision in the Dobbs case highlights the Supreme Court's misunderstanding of our bodies and health. Attacks on our reproductive health rights are efforts to control our bodies and choices without taking into account our real, lived experiences. Reproductive justice means advocating for the autonomy and dignity of all individuals. We must stand firm, break the silence, protect our rights and futures."
Kenda Sutton-El
Founding Executive Director, Birth in Color
This RJ Storytelling Project aims to honor the stories of all Virginians' reproductive health journeys, all centered around the documentary Our Stories. Our Choices.’ This powerful film was created to shine a light on real-life stories, like Chelsea's, that show some of the confusing and painful reproductive health experiences of Virginians.
We are thrilled to have collaborated with the ACLU of VA to share these impactful stories.
VIEW TRAILER : While filming the ‘Our Stories. Our Choices.’ documentary, Chelsea talked about her experience with Transient Ischemic Attacks, or "Mini-Strokes," which are caused by prescribed contraceptives.
Here is how you can get involved
🎬 Watch the Screening:
Experience powerful stories highlighting reproductive justice's importance.
Date: July 8th, 2024
Location: 101 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219
Time: 5:30 PM
⭐️ Learn More About the Campaign
To stay informed and help spread the word about our mission and initiatives, visit BirthinColor.org/RJstories.
Our collective stories and our choices have the power to create change.
Join us in advocating for reproductive justice and reinstating vital protections for the health and well-being of all.