After the overturn of Roe v. Wade last year, National Crittenton doubled down on our unapologetic commitment to reproductive justice and rights, launching the Reproductive Freedom Fund, and convening over 115 girls and gender expansive youth of color to hear directly from them on the consequences of curtailing reproductive health care access (See In Our Words Report). Over and over in those conversations, we heard from young people that Dobbs was just the beginning of what would become an ongoing strategy of restricting bodily autonomy and justice in our country. And they were right.
Last week–defying everything we heard from young people–a Texas judge blocked the FDA’s approval of mifepristone—a medicine commonly used in medication abortion, while at the same time in the state of Washington a court reached a different decision. Mifepristone has been safely and effectively used by over 5 million people for over two decades. The Texas decision is outrageous and could restrict abortion access for millions of people—girls, young women, gender expansive young people—across the country, including states where reproductive health champions have protected abortion access. And this decision comes as states across the country—like Idaho—are continuing to restrict reproductive care, specifically for young people. Furthermore, beyond the reproductive health care implications—this decision puts at risk the assurance provided to the American public through the FDA’s approval of safe and effective medication for a wide range of health needs.
The right to reproductive care and abortion access is a basic human right. It is essential healthcare. These decisions are yet more steps to strip girls, young women and gender expansive young people who can become pregnant of control over their bodies, and their futures. In solidarity with girls and gender expansive young people of color, we will continue to increase efforts to—raise awareness and elevate the potential impacts that this decision will have on young people of color; and work alongside them to fight for reproductive justice and collective liberation.
Read the In Our Words Report here.
Register now for the In Our Words Report Webinar occurring this Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 9 AM PST/ 10 AM MST / 11 AM CST / 12 PM EST.