Good evening,

Like many of you, I too am still grappling with the news of the leaked Supreme Court opinion. Let’s be clear, as of today, Roe v. Wade is still the law of the land. Abortion is legal in the United States. The Supreme Court has not yet made a ruling and until they do, they will hear the voices of Black women loud and strong. Black women are mobilizing across the country and gearing up for the fight of our lives. In Our Own Voice and other Black women’s organizations are mobilizing voters and fighting back. 
  
Black women and birthing people already face barriers to accessing basic health care services and if the Supreme Court overturns Roe, our reproductive health, rights, and safety will be in danger. As Black women, our fight has always been — and continues to be — about the human right to control our body, our work, and our community. A final decision from the Supreme Court banning abortion will not change that. 
  
We know where Black people stand on this issue. In Our Own Voice polling shows that the majority (more than 70 %) of Black people believe abortion should remain legal and women should be able to get safe abortions. We also know that the single greatest contributor to persistent poverty among Black women is an unplanned pregnancy. For Black women, Roe has always been the floor, not the ceiling. We will continue to fight for the resources and freedom to choose when and if we have children — and to be able to raise our families with dignity. We will not go back! 
 
The same people who are targeting our right to vote, banning books by Black authors in schools and passing anti-trans and anti-gay legislation are the same people who want to ban abortion. Reproductive rights are Reproductive Justice. Audre Lorde said, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” Our lives, our bodies, and our voices matter. 
  
Attacks on our human rights will always be met with protest and activism. We will not stop until Reproductive Justice is the law of the land. 
  
We are asking Black women’s organizations and Black individuals to join us in sending a strong message to the U.S. Supreme Court and elected officials around the country that Black women and birthing people refuse to allow them to deny our human right to bodily autonomy.  
 
Join us in this fight by signing the Black RJ pledge.
Health of Immigrant Families: HEAL and LIFT the BAR Congressional Briefing
On May 12, the Intersections of Our Lives Collaborative held a staff-level Congressional briefing on removing heath care barriers for im/migrants and the intersection of RJ and im/migrant justice. The briefing focused on the importance of passing the Health Equity and Access Under the Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Families Act and Lifting Immigrant Families Through Benefits Access Restoration (LIFT the BAR) Act.

Speakers included RJ, health equity, and immigrant rights advocates from Asian Health Services, Center for Law and Social Policy, National Immigration Law Center, and Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition. 
SCOTUS Leak
On May 14, Black RJ leaders across the country participated in national and state-based actions to publicly declare support for Roe and to demand #BansOffOurBodies now!

If you are seeking support accessing abortion care, help is still available.

Here is some RJ messaging guidance about the leaked opinion, and here you can find a legal analysis of the leaked decision for reference.

Lastly, check out these interactive maps to view how your state may be impacted if Roe is overturned by the Supreme Court:
Protecting Federal Abortion Access
The U.S. Senate voted on the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) on May 11. WHPA once again failed to pass 49-51. This version of the bill did not include the findings section, which was written by several Reproductive Justice advocates and groups, to center those most impacted by abortion bans. In Our Own Voice continues to advocate for the inclusion of RJ language in all abortion access legislation.

Republican Senators Collins and Murkowski introduced their own bill, S. 3713 Reproductive Choice Act, that does not codify Roe and does not protect against state abortion access restrictions. In Our Own Voice joined other repro groups in signing an opposition letter to the bill.

In Our Own Voice also endorsed Rep. Nikema Williams’ resolution opposing the criminalization of sexual and reproductive healthcare, including abortion, gender-affirming care, and contraceptive care.
The Fight against misinformation about the legality of abortion in certain states continues. In Our Own Voice is supporting some of our partner organizations with a billboard campaign that sets the record straight. Billboards reading: “Abortion is Still Legal” are up in Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio reminding residents that they still have a right to abortion care. 
Graduation is an exciting time. It marks the closing of one chapter and the beginning of the next. We hope that the 2022 graduates will cherish the warm memories of their undergraduate experience and hold close to their dreams for the future. 
  
Congratulations to the following Fellows who have graduated: Nina Clinton (Lincoln University), Tyra Gravesande (Spelman College), Bailey Roberts (Spelman College), Amaya Ronzcyk (Dillard University), and Amber Wynne (Hampton University). These students are leaving a long-lasting impact on their campuses. 
 
We wish them the best of luck as they embark on their new ventures. 
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:
Get tested. Grab a bite.

Join The Afiya Center for its ninth annual community HIV testing event on June 27, 2022, at Glendale Park located at 1515 E Ledbetter Dr., Dallas, TX 75216, 11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m. Free barbecue for participants, raffles, bounce houses, vendors and much more. 
Black Maternal Health Week Townhall

For Black Maternal Health Week, Black Women For Wellness hosted a Townhall Event with Sickle Cell Red and Dr. Raquel Hammonds, in which Black women with chronic health conditions discussed their pregnancy journey.
National Diabetes Agenda

Black Women’s Health Imperative released its 2022 National Diabetes Agenda, which outlines Black women’s risk for diabetes, prevention, pre-screening, treatment and more.

Applications for New Voices for Reproductive Justice’s #SayHerName Justice Fund have re-opened, which will help cover sudden expenses associated with sudden/tragic loss due to gun violence and gender-based violence experienced by Black women and their families.
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.
LGBT Arts and Cultural Festival

SisterReach will serve as a presenting festival sponsor for the LGBT Arts and Culture Festival, which takes place on Memorial Day Weekend. Join SisterReach for a weekend filled with live entertainment, cultural excursions, health and wellness workshops, and more!
Let's Talk About Mental Health

SPARK is holding its monthly member meeting on Tuesday, May 31 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET. Join in a mental health discussion in recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, featuring guest speaker Dr. Seyi Amosu, a licensed psychologist.
Medicaid Assistance

For Medicaid Awareness Month, Women With a Vision is offering Medicaid assistance for those who have questions about eligibility and how to enroll.
We are asking Black women's organizations/Black individuals to join us in sending a strong message to members of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court 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.