The Reproductive Justice Movement turns 30 this year. I think about the history of its founders and those who followed in their footsteps.
Over the past three decades, the movement has become a framework connecting human rights to reproductive rights—going well beyond the usual pro-life and pro-choice divisions. The movement calls upon us to address inequities in healthcare, fight stigma, and ensure everyone has freedom in directing their healthcare.
Let’s examine 12 key milestones in the Reproductive Justice Movement—moments that have shaped where we are today and where we need to go.
1994: Formation of the Reproductive Justice Framework
A group of Black women gathered in Chicago coined the term reproductive justice. They sought to expand the conversation beyond reproductive rights, emphasizing the need to address systemic barriers tied to race, class, and gender. This framework linked reproductive rights to broader social justice issues, focusing on access and equity rather than choice alone.
1997: SisterSong: a Reproductive Justice Collective
SisterSong, founded in 1997, became a unifying force for women of color advocating for reproductive justice. Made up of 16 organizations, SisterSong created a national platform to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. The collective worked to address intersectional challenges in reproductive health and fight reproductive oppression.
2003: Let’s Talk About Sex
In 2003, SisterSong hosted its first national conference, “Let’s Talk About Sex,” which provided an unprecedented space to discuss reproductive justice from an intersectional perspective and paved the way for broader collaboration.
2004: Publication of ‘Undivided Rights’
This landmark book documented the efforts of women of color to shape the reproductive justice movement. It provided historical context and detailed how racial and economic disparities influenced reproductive health outcomes.
2010: Launch of the Trust Black Women Partnership
SisterSong launched Trust Black Women to combat anti-abortion media that vilified Black women. This initiative responded to campaigns labeling abortion a form of “Black genocide,” using advocacy and education to highlight how these narratives harm Black communities. It emphasized the importance of reproductive autonomy and self-determination.
2010-Present: Expansion of the Reproductive Justice Framework
The National LGBTQ Task Force’s “Queering Reproductive Justice: A Toolkit,” published in 2017, aimed to bridge reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ liberation. Other groups have expanded the framework to include environmental and economic justice and access to comprehensive healthcare. This expansion recognized how interconnected systems of oppression impact reproductive autonomy.
2013: Formation of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance
High maternal mortality rates among Black women led to the formation of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. This coalition focuses on improving maternal health outcomes through policy advocacy, community engagement, and research. It continues to address racial disparities in maternal care and center the voices of Black mothers.
2016: Reproductive Justice Gains Political Recognition
During her presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton became the first candidate to use the term “reproductive justice.” This raised the movement’s visibility, bringing its principles into mainstream politics. Advocates saw this as an opportunity to push for reforms at the national level.
2017: Inaugural Black Maternal Health Week
The Black Mamas Matter Alliance launched Black Maternal Health Week to address maternal health disparities. The event fosters dialogue and advocacy around the structural inequities affecting Black mothers. It has become an annual call to action for policymakers and healthcare providers.
2019: Passage of the Reproductive Health Act in New York
New York State codified Roe v. Wade protections through the Reproductive Health Act, reflecting the principles of reproductive justice. The law expanded access to abortion care and recognized abortion as healthcare, a critical win amid rising federal restrictions. This legislation highlighted the importance of state-level advocacy for reproductive rights.
2020: Supreme Court: Medical Services v. Russo
In a pivotal case, the Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law in the Medical Services v. Russo case that threatened to limit abortion access. This decision reinforced the need for advocates to monitor and challenge restrictive state policies. It was a victory for reproductive justice, emphasizing the role of legal action in protecting access to care.
2021: Introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act
The Momnibus Act is groundbreaking legislation addressing inequities in maternal healthcare, focusing on solutions for Black women and underserved communities. The bill proposed funding for community-based care models and research into racial disparities, representing a significant step toward equity in maternal health.
2022: Response to the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, catalyzed a surge in advocacy from reproductive justice organizations. Groups mobilized to protect abortion access at the state level and support communities affected by the ruling. Later that year, reproductive justice leaders convened from across the country to commemorate the fall of Roe and chart a new direction for the movement.
Writing the Next Chapter
Reproductive justice is a living, breathing movement that grows stronger daily—but it’s clear that this work is far from over.
New challenges crop up for every barrier we break down, often targeting the most vulnerable. But look at how far we’ve come, working to ensure everyone, regardless of race, income, or ZIP code, can make empowered healthcare decisions.
Milestones like SisterSong’s conference and the 2022 post-Dobbs convention remind us we need collective action and vision. Grassroots organizations are showing us how to lead—but they can’t do it alone. Advocacy, policy reform, and community-driven solutions will require all of us to listen, support, and take action.
The next chapter of reproductive justice is being written right now. Please join protests against abortion bans and support legislation protecting maternal health. National politics can shift like the wind, but this movement is built to last. I believe its best days are still ahead.
