Good evening,

Although we were expecting the U.S. Supreme Court to deliver a devastating blow to women’s civil and human rights by overturning Roe v. Wade, the ruling was still a shock. Never before has the court removed a right that it had granted. In overturning Roe and Casey, the court eliminated any pretense that it believed women were equal under the law.  
  
In a statement I issued immediately after the decision, I said the conservative, activist justices of the Supreme Court have turned their backs on justice and reimposed one of the greatest injustices of my lifetime: the declaration that women’s bodies — especially Black women’s bodies — are under the complete control of the state. When combined with the court’s attacks on voting rights, the future is bleak. 
  
It’s also important to note that the justices have gone against the will of the people, especially Black people. In fact, the majority (80%) of Black people believe abortion should “remain legal and women should be able to get safe abortions. And 85% agree that health insurance, private or government-funded, should cover abortion care”. 
  
Abortion is still legal in many states. If you have questions about your rights, how to access abortion care, contraception, and other reproductive health care services you can find information here. If you want to take action, consider these options: 
  
  • Sign the Black Reproductive Justice Pledge and share it with Black individuals who are part of your network.   
  • Support our partner organizations who are bravely doing this work on the ground in cities around the country.  
  • Utilize and share our toolkit, which includes social media graphics, sample posts, and talking points. 
  • Make sure you and everyone you care about know how to get abortion services and find an abortion clinic — abortionfinder.org allows you to search by zip code or you can call 1-800-230-PLAN to find clinics closest to you (by ZIP). OR you can text 202-883-4620 for the three clinics closest to you (by ZIP) - it’s free and you don’t need internet access or a smartphone. 
  
We will not stop fighting until Reproductive Justice is the law of the land.

In Solidarity,

Marcela Howell
President & CEO
In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda
We are asking Black women's organizations/Black individuals to join us in sending a strong message to members of Congress and conservative politicians around the country that Black women and birthing people refuse to allow them to deny our human right to bodily autonomy. We hope you or your organization will sign the Reproductive Justice Pledge. 
Some States Expand Abortion Access 
Immediately after the overturning of Roe, some states went into action to limit abortion access. More than 25 states may implement anti-abortion laws, leaving nearly 40 million women and birthing people without abortion care. However, some states like California, New York, Oregon and Washington are taking steps to create safe spaces and expand protections for women in need of abortion care.  
  
New York will now be a “safe harbor” for women and birthing people seeking abortion care. Additionally, the state will also prevent its courts from taking legal actions against health providers who perform abortions on patients who live out of state and against women who are seeking abortion care.  
  
California is also taking a unique approach to expanding abortion rights by putting a state constitutional amendment on the November ballot that protects reproductive rights. The amendment will be voted on in November. California officials are also offering protections to abortion providers from liability or prosecution related to out-of-state bans on abortions. California’s governor has also joined governors from neighboring states of Oregon and Washington in signing a Multi-State Commitment to Reproductive Freedom in which they pledge to defend access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion and contraceptives.  
  
In Our Own Voice continues to work to get other states to adopt proactive support for abortion access.
California Doula Pilot Project 
In partnership with Black Women for Wellness, In Our Own Voice previously submitted a letter to the California Assembly in support of AB 2199 Birthing Justice for California Families Pilot Project. 

This bill would expand access to full-spectrum doula care for women and birthing people not eligible for Medi-Cal coverage and incarcerated women and birthing people. The bill is currently in committee and moving through the legislature. 
We’re Hiring
We are currently in search of a Vice President of Government Affairs. If you’re interested, be sure to check out the job description and apply!
We are pleased to announce the 2022-2024 Next Generation Leadership Institute class. The 12 incoming fellows serve as change agents on their campuses and within their broader communities. 

These student leaders represent seven HBCUs nationwide, including Dillard University, Hampton University, Howard University, Lincoln University, North Carolina A&T University, Spelman College and Xavier University. As Next Generation fellows, these students will strengthen their leadership, communication, advocacy and organizing skills. Meet the 2022-2024 class:

Dillard University 
  • Akilah Northern 
Hampton University 
  • Madison Grant 
  • Shavonne Hines-Foster 
Howard University 
  • Kyra Patterson 
  • Gabrielle Studevan 
  • Ryane Jones 
  • Alana Latin 
Lincoln University 
  • Erika Laster  
North Carolina A&T 
  • Khelsei Doresett-Wilson 
Spelman College 
  • Anayla McClendon  
  • Aniyah Wilkerson 
Xavier University 
  • Youma Diabira
In Our Own Voice is proud to partner with organizations that work 24/7/365 to advance Reproductive Justice on a state level. Take a look at our partners in action:
All Hands on Deck!

The Afiya Center is a calling on folks who are interested in volunteering to advocate for issues impacting Black womxn and girls in Texas. Join the fight for maternal health, HIV support, and Black wellness. Get involved with the All Hands on Deck initiative.
Reproductive Justice Conference: Code Red: Sheroes for Human Rights

Join Black Women For Wellness on Aug. 9-11, 2022, for a conference devoted to addressing Reproductive Justice issues in the Black community. This conference brings together community members, advocates and healthcare providers who work to advocate for the reproductive rights of Black women and girls.
High-Touch Road Conference

Follow the High-Touch Road with High-Touch Coaching™, BWHI’s signature coaching method of engaging strategies that empower lifestyle coaches and program participants to be the best they can be!

The conference will take place on July 28-30, 2022. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from BWHI Lifestyle Coaches, Master Trainers and other Subject Matter Experts best in class and culturally appropriate strategies to enhance National DPP delivery for women of color!

Launched in January 2022, the #SayHERName Justice Fund accepts applications and awards grants on a rolling basis. The fund helps Black women, girls and gender-expansive folx who have been the victim of gender-based violence in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Cleveland. In May 2022, New Voices expanded the fund to cover abortion access and care, including travel costs to reach care in another state. Apply now to receive help with rent, mental health services, medical bills, basic hygiene products, and more.
Atlanta Health Study

If you live in Fulton, Cobb, Dekalb or Gwinnett County, Georgia, you may be eligible to participate and receive a $50 gift card. IT-PHITS Study is a collaboration between Emory University and SisterLove, Inc. To strengthen HIV prevention for women in Metro Atlanta.
Free Safe Sex Kits

SisterReach is providing free safe sex kits delivered to your mailbox. Sex kits include emergency contraception.
FYRE Media Justice Camp 2022

SPARK is holding its annual FYRE Media Justice Camp July 21-24, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. The Fierce Youth Reclaiming & Empowering (FYRE) program develops the civic leadership of queer & trans youth of color and ally youth of color living in the Southeast in the Reproductive Justice movement.
Take Action

Women With A Vision is looking for volunteers and interns to join them in advocating for marginalized communities in Louisiana. Areas of program work may include:
  • HIV/AIDS Education and Advocacy
  • Gender-Based Violence Prevention
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health Education
  • Harm Reduction
  • LGBTQ Rights
  • Reproductive Justice Advocacy
  • Civic Engagement and Public Policy
  • Social WorkPublic Health