Championing Reproductive Justice
Our Bodies STILL Belong to Us: Reproductive Justice NOW!
Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD) proudly aligns with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), the organization that started Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW). In solidarity, we stand with the theme, "Our Bodies STILL Belong to Us: Reproductive Justice NOW!" This week, we reaffirm our commitment to championing reproductive justice, emphasizing the pivotal role of Black birthworkers and healthcare workers in this ongoing struggle.
Reproductive justice extends beyond the right to access reproductive health services; it demands a comprehensive approach to supporting and respecting the bodily autonomy of everyone. We at CVD believe that everyone has the right to comprehensive care, including those undergoing abortion procedures. That's why we offer an Abortion Doula training program that equips our CVDoulas with the skills they need to provide compassionate and informed support to those undergoing these procedures. Our initiative is designed to champion these fundamental rights and ensure everyone receives the care they deserve.
Moreover, our re-engagement with the Peer Doula program within two Illinois prisons illustrates our dedication to ensuring that all birthing people receive the support they deserve, regardless of their circumstances. This initiative is particularly crucial as it addresses the often-overlooked needs of those who are incarcerated, providing them with essential Doula care. Dually, it serves as a means of training incarcerated people and equipping them with skills they can use when they return home.
At CVD, we support the BMMA's Policy Agenda and call for major changes that recognize and tackle the unfairness present in our healthcare system. We advocate for:
Comprehensive public and private insurance coverage for all aspects of maternal, sexual, and reproductive healthcare.
Improved access to diverse birthing settings and geographic locations.
Equitable, high-quality, and patient-centered care guidelines for healthcare providers and institutions.
Enhanced funding for research and programs that center on the experiences and expertise of Black women and birthing individuals.
Reproductive justice might sound like a complex term, but it's really about making sure everyone has the support and freedom they need when it comes to having children, including the right to decide when or whether to have kids at all. This is crucial for everyone, especially Black people who face more challenges in this area.
Here's why this matters: In places where it's hard to access safe abortion services, we often see worse health outcomes for parents and babies. This is particularly true for Black birthing people. This isn't just about health; it's about being treated fairly and having the same opportunities and support as everyone else.
Doulas do amazing work helping families during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. However, expecting them to tackle these hulking issues alone is not fair or reasonable. They need better support, which includes equitable reimbursement from insurance companies and state entities for the services they provide to the community. This will help them do their job without being overwhelmed and ensure all families get the best care possible.
We're all about making these ideas a reality at Chicago Volunteer Doulas. We train Doulas in abortion support and educate the community about reproductive justice, ensuring that everyone understands and supports these crucial issues.
Here's where you come in: by supporting us, you help us train more Doulas and spread the word about why reproductive rights matter. This work leads to fundamental changes that improve lives.
Call to Action:
Want to help make a difference? You can support our efforts by making a donation at bit.ly/fund4equity. Your support allows us to continue our essential work and fight for a healthcare system that's fair for everyone. Let's stand together for reproductive justice and make a lasting impact!
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