No Justice, No Peace: How the Reproductive Justice Framework
Helps Me Connect with Student-led Freedom & Liberation Movements

Written by Jeff Koetje, MD, ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Programming Strategist

In the time since it first appeared as the title of a song included in the 1965 release of The Who’s debut studio album, , the phrase, “the kids are alright” has been used both earnestly and ironically as a statement about how, well, the kids – the youth of whatever moment is being referenced – are actually doing. The Who’s original song is an affirmative ode to the creative and generative capacity of the rebellious spirit of youth and the universal desire of each new generation to step into their power and use their voice. And perhaps owing to its pithiness, the phrase has been reused, repurposed, and remixed many times over (e.g., punk rock band Bad Religion’s take-down of 21st Century neo-fascism in the 2018 single, “” and P!nk’s 2022 protest anthem, “”).

As a member of the professional staff of ŷ��AƬ – a student-led organization that works on culture change both within the House of Medicine and in the broader society – my daily tasks and responsibilities are literally intended to operationalize the dreams, desires, and visions of young people who are in the process of stepping deeper into their individual and collective power and exercising their individual and collective voice. As a staff member of a student-led organization that works on culture change, and as a person who has just recently turned 50, I think a lot about this phrase, which for me is also a question – (Are) the kids are alright(?) – and challenge myself to interrogate what my generational responsibilities to them can be, could be, and should be.

And, from my position and perspective, I have to take it seriously that young people all across campuses in the US and throughout the world are saying right now,��NO, we are not alright!��We are not alright with perpetual war, genocide, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, misogyny, police-state violence and militarized police, capitalist devastation of both ecology and human cultures, and the unwielding demands of the now-globalized extractive economy, which is literally designed to maximize the number of humans ensnared in the many old and new forms of indentured servitude and enslavement (which, in the US, includes student loans and medical debt, and actual rolling-back of protective labor rights even for children).

I’m writing this, aware that this week’s ŷ��AƬ Repro eNewsletter is being published on the 54th anniversary of the : on May 4, 1970, 28 Ohio National Guard soldiers opened fire – 67 rounds in 13 seconds – on unarmed college students who were protesting the expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia, and protesting the presence of National Guard on the Kent State campus; four students were killed (executed – let’s call it what it was), and nine other students were wounded by these state-sanctioned, taxpayer-funded bullets. Now, here in 2024, just over the past week, university administrators at and have allowed snipers – yes, snipers – to aim their sniper rifles at students participating in the Palestine/Gaza Solidarity Camps. And administrators at many universities across the US have sicced militarized police forces against their own students, under the Orwellian cover of ensuring “order” and “safety.”��

As I’ve witnessed university administrators at one institution after another against their own students and faculty (with an exceedingly small number of exceptions, such as at New York City’s ), I am reminded that .

Of course, this is not what western universities and other academic institutions will admit to. Instead they claim to be places and spaces for curiosity; for the intellectual and academic freedom to explore and consider ideas, new and old; for the development of critical thinking, problem-raising, and praxis; and for nurturing and nourishing the next generation of humans. These are wonderful and noble notions, but they are meaningful notions only if they are materially enacted through policy and procedure, and what we are all witnessing is the lie (of these claimed commitments) giving way to the truth (of the actual policies and procedures of most university administrators).

My own work in ŷ��AƬ’s Reproductive Health Project requires me to constantly apply in my own analysis of the presently constructed reality of this world, and how that reality came to be. The RJ principle that I’m sitting with in this particular moment of student-led movements for peace, justice, and liberation is this one: the universal human right to raise up the next generation of humans in safe, supportive, and sustainable environments. This principle demands answers and accounting for the vast, interconnected material conditions within which, and under which, the next generation of humans come into their being. And it specifically demands answers and accountability from those of us who have come before this new generation, who must be held responsible for our own moral, ethical, and political approaches to the constructed reality of the world that we received, that we then shaped, and that we now pass along to this new generation. We who have come before – as a 50 year old Gen Xer, I certainly include myself – have a lot to answer for: the kids may or may not be alright, but the world we are handing over to them is certainly, decidedly, not all right. The RJ framework helps me orient my own response to this particular moment with one major concern: what are the many ways that I can be with and for the next generation of humans who are declaring with their full chest that they refuse to carry forward with them into the 21st and 22nd Centuries all that which should not have been allowed to be carried forward into the 20th Century?

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*Note: an excerpt of this Spotlight is included in ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project eNews #14: ��
FL 6-week Ban Begins, AZ Civil War Ban Repealed, NV Kick-off, May 4, 2024
Find the current and past issues in the ŷ��AƬ Repro eNews Archive.

Explore the ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project
Find news, tips, tools, opportunities�� & more!

for ŷ��AƬ Repro Project Updates

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A first-generation student from Venezuela, Patricia has overcome numerous challenges, including the heartache of losing her grandfather shortly after immigrating to the United States. Despite these obstacles, she has thrived academically and personally, embracing resilience and adaptability along the way. Patricia’s journey to medicine began at a young age when she witnessed the profound impact of healthcare professionals while caring for her grandmother after a stroke. Since then, her passion for medicine has only grown stronger, fueled by a desire to contribute to research in areas such as cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases, as well as her interest in pediatrics.

Outside of the classroom, Patricia is deeply involved in her community. From her role as a student leader at Valencia College to her contributions to Phi Theta Kappa and the Valencia College STEM Club, she demonstrates a commitment to making a difference. Whether organizing campus events or advocating for children with autism, Patricia’s dedication to serving others is unmistakable. In addition to her academic and extracurricular pursuits, Patricia also works tirelessly at a Brazilian Steak House, showcasing her strong work ethic and ability to balance multiple responsibilities.

As we celebrate Patricia’s achievements, we are reminded of the mission of ŷ��AƬ: to support and empower future physician leaders. Patricia embodies this mission through her dedication to academic excellence, service to her community, and unwavering commitment to her goals.

In honoring Patricia Hernandez as the ŷ��AƬ-PTK Pre-Med Transfer Scholarship recipient, we recognize not only her individual accomplishments but also the spirit of determination and compassion that drives her forward. As she continues her journey towards becoming a doctor, Patricia serves as an inspiration to us all.

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Across the country, students are rising up in solidarity protests, demanding immediate action to address the As the surpasses 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, of which almost half are children, ŷ��AƬ continues to condemn the attacks on innocent civilians and reiterates our call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, unfettered access to humanitarian aid wherever it is needed, and halting the transfer of arms to Israel. Furthermore, we condemn the , directly enabling this genocide. We call on the US to cease funding and arming genocidal State violence and to stop impeding global efforts to respond to this genocide through entities such as the UN.�� We also echo the students’ voices in calling their , whose products inflict massive death and destruction. Institutions that claim to be about education have no business being in the business of global arms production. It is imperative that we speak up and take action against any and all forms of injustice and systemic violence, including the genocide occuring in Gaza, and we commend the bravery of these students in leading the charge for justice.

The reactions and actions taken by the power-holders of many of these universities has also further revealed the extent to which these institutions are aligned with the current power structure that maintains and perpetuates systemic injustices and global violence. and many of them are suppressing students’ right to free assembly by conflating their critiques of the State of Israel with antisemitism. ŷ��AƬ condemns these actions taken by many universities as violent, unethical, immoral, and fascistic, utterly incompatible with any claim to democratic principles and practices.

Given the manner in which many universities have reacted to the student-led uprisings and protests, it is more than evident that universities are generally unwilling to function as sites where students and young people can freely step into their power, speak with moral clarity, and take action to reshape the world structures that they are inheriting. Nevertheless, students are claiming this space at their universities, in spite of institutional resistance or refusal to acknowledge their right to do so. Students also need spaces outside of their universities to come together and organize their collective power. In recognition of this need, ŷ��AƬ is committed to serving students as a space for student activism. As a national, independent, student-led organization, ŷ��AƬ is a node and network for students to build their power, strengthen their voice, and organize for action.

In just a month, ŷ��AƬ’s annual meeting, , will convene hundreds of future physicians in Washington, D.C May 30 – June 1, 2024. This gathering has long served as a platform for premedical and medical students to address pressing healthcare issues. This year’s agenda will include, but is not limited to, discussions on abortion restrictions, DEI funding cuts, attacks on LGBTQIA+ healthcare, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In solidarity, we have established dedicated brave spaces to empower all students in their advocacy efforts, fostering dialogue and support to address injustices in Gaza, ensuring that all members are well-informed and actively involved in advocacy endeavors. As students, we are claiming our role in shaping the future of medicine and society, advocating for justice and equity in healthcare worldwide.

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The U.S. Supreme Court Must Uphold EMTALA!

Written by Aliye Runyan, MD (obgyn, family planning)
ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Strategist

I am an ob-gyn and abortion provider in New York. I listened, infuriated, to pieces of the�� oral arguments held at The Supreme Court on Wednesday while between abortion procedures.�� I want to preface this discussion by acknowledging that, like the case against mifepristone brought before The Court in in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the fundamental arguments put forth by the State of Idaho this week are flawed.

It’s not an inaccurate statement to describe this case as “the cruelty is the point”.��

The argument is that the Idaho state government has the right to supersede the federal law Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (), that requires any emergency room to stabilize a patient at risk of significant morbidity or mortality. In many cases, including bleeding, infection, or any significant complication from a pregnancy, the appropriate intervention may be an abortion to save the patient’s life. This would mean that any hospitals under the state abortion ban would not have to provide abortion services, even when it would be necessary to save someone’s life. It is inconceivable to me that we are at a place in this country where the value of a pregnant person’s life is quite literally up to a state government, effectively tying the hands of physicians, like my emergency department colleagues, who would not be able to safely intervene in a situation where there are no trained abortion providers.��

As ER physician pointed out, rulings like these have much larger ripple effects – physicians are and will continue to leave states with abortion bans if they are unable to practice medicine within the ethics and standards to which we are trained. To quote ER physician Dr. Esther Choo

“”

I practice in a generally “safe” state – not without its own flaws in abortion access, however, as long as I practice in this state or others like it, I am assured I can practice full spectrum reproductive medical care, including abortion. I will likely not have to suffer the moral injury of watching a patient die because my hospital and my state decided that life saving interventions in complications of pregnancy are just not legal. Pregnancy is not always safe and not always a benign condition. Underlying all the arguments, it is clear that the State of Idaho and some of our justices believe it is a completely reasonable option to wait until a person is at the brink of death (and how do we determine when that is?) to end their pregnancy, which is frankly misogynistic and places the value of even an unviable�� pregnancy before the life of a living human being. I hope to see more outrage from my colleagues in many specialties, as the impact of this ruling will affect safe and ethical medical care far beyond abortion and obstetrics.

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*Note: an excerpt of this Spotlight is included in ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project eNews #13:
Anti-Abortion Movement Showing True Colors, April 27, 2024
Find the current and past issues in the ŷ��AƬ Repro eNews Archive.

Explore the ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project
Find news, tips, tools, opportunities�� & more!

for ŷ��AƬ Repro Project Updates

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Introducing Ashish Chettimada, a remarkable young visionary hailing from Waterloo, Ontario. Ashish’s dedication to innovative healthcare solutions is nothing short of inspiring. As a student enrolled in the esteemed International Baccalaureate program at Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute, Ashish exemplifies the qualities of a future leader in medicine.

From an early age, Ashish has demonstrated a profound interest in the intricate intersection of human biology and technology. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and his unwavering commitment to solving healthcare challenges stand as a testament to his exceptional character and foresight.

At the ŷ��AƬ (ŷ��AƬ), we recognize the immense value of nurturing young talents like Ashish. Our mission is to foster future physician leaders who not only identify pressing healthcare issues but also possess the creativity and determination to devise innovative solutions. Ashish embodies this spirit wholeheartedly, serving as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring healthcare professionals worldwide.

ŷ��AƬ stands firmly behind the belief that healthcare should be equitable and accessible to all. We are committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote universal healthcare coverage and address disparities in healthcare access. Ashish’s work on , a diagnostic and , aligns perfectly with this mission. His project not only addresses a critical medical need but also showcases his commitment to making healthcare more accessible to those in need.

Through initiatives like ReAlign, Ashish demonstrates how innovative solutions can help bridge gaps in healthcare access and improve outcomes for marginalized communities. His dedication to using technology for social good embodies ŷ��AƬ’s core values of equity, inclusivity, and compassion.

As we celebrate Ashish’s accomplishments, let us also reaffirm our commitment to creating a healthcare system that works for everyone. At ŷ��AƬ, we believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we will continue to support young leaders like Ashish who share our vision of a healthier, more equitable world. Meet Ashish at convention in DC from May 30-June 1, 2024!

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What Future Physicians Need to Know about Threats to EMTALA

Written by Anna Hindman, ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project Fellow
and 4th year medical student at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, a barrage of strictly limiting abortion, such as Arizona’s Civil War-era ban upheld last week, have flooded in, with some, like the recent hearing on Mifepristone, having been challenged at the federal level.

Next week, on April 24th, another state law will be challenged at the federal level in a case called .�� This , is aiming to prohibit emergency abortion care, raising concerns about potential violations of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (). This pivotal case underscores the importance of protecting patient access to stabilizing emergency care, mandated by EMTALA, especially in cases where termination is crucial for saving lives or ensuring wellbeing. While this case should be straightforward, since Federal law trumps state law in most cases, as , on top of the clear Human Right to emergency services; the looming Supreme Court’s stance remains uncertain, highlighting the need for future physicians to grasp the gravity of this violation of human rights and voice their concerns.

��“A patient’s health should always come first, and for nearly 40 years,
the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) has mandated that protection.”
This is now in question in The Court.
,

�� was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1986 and requires hospitals that participate in Medicare, which is most of them, to provide emergency medical treatment to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay, immigration status, or any other factor. In terms of abortion care, this means that if a pregnant individual is in serious risk of death or injury and it is determined termination will save their life and/or wellbeing, it should be provided. This is very important to the humanity of our healthcare system!

The at the center of the case before The Court calls for a near-complete ban on abortion and prohibits anyone from performing or assisting one except when the pregnancy is ectopic or molar; a result of rape or incest; or a risk to the life of the mother. The risk to life of the mother is a confusing line for many providers and has forced physicians to make impossible decisions as to how long you wait to intervene when loss of life is “possible” but not currently imminent. Some real life examples from OBGYNs around the nation have been outlined in an (a document submitted to a court by someone not directly involved in a case but with an interest in its outcome, providing additional information or arguments to assist the court in making a more informed decision) to the Court filed by , , , and .

further limits a physician’s ability to provide evidence-based medicine and puts pregnant patients in serious risk of harm including death, organ damage, loss of reproductive ability, or other threats to their health and wellbeing. In addition, physicians are further legally at risk if they were to terminate a pregnancy in an emergency situation. This is clearly a dangerous precedent for pregnant individuals in our healthcare system, especially when our country’s is already devastatingly high.

It is crucial that future physicians understand what is happening and voice their concerns for this clear violation of Human Rights. Below are further articles and research from our latest e-news. If any questions arise or you just want to talk about everything that is going on, do not hesitate to reach out to us at the Repro Health Project at rhp@amsa.org.��

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*Note: an excerpt of this Spotlight is included in ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project eNews #12:
Doctors Doing Cesareans & Hysterectomies Instead of Abortions, April 20, 2024.
Find the current and past issues in the ŷ��AƬ Repro eNews Archive.

Explore the ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project
Find news, tips, tools, opportunities�� & more!

for ŷ��AƬ Repro Project Updates

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For medical school admissions, did you know that cuts from primary application submissions will eliminate candidates who fall below a school’s standards for both GPA and MCAT scores? After that, the focus shifts from your intellectual abilities to your non-academic accomplishments.

Check out our article to learn more and find out five MCAT tips to help you get into medical school.

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ŷ��AƬ’s mission is to educate and empower diverse future physicians to become unapologetic advocates for equitable healthcare and foster generations of culturally respectful leaders. Our vision is ambitious yet hopeful – we envision a world where healthcare is accessible, medicine is affordable, and systems support the diversity we see around us.

At ŷ��AƬ, we deeply care about maintaining and striving for upholding these values. Our Preamble, Purposes, and Principles (PPP) embody these values, while our Constitution, Bylaws, and Internal Affairs (CBIA) dictate how we govern and manage our organization to uphold our mission and vision.

This year, the discussions held during the Annual HOD Meeting and our Board of Trustees(BOT) meeting were particularly impactful. We deliberated on a wide range of topics, including proposed changes to ŷ��AƬ’s membership types, the restructuring of the Action Committees, the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, human rights issues, and our relationship with industry. Our unwavering commitment to equity in health care has never been more vital, guiding us to navigate the complexities of our mission with integrity and pragmatism. In response to the evolving challenges, we have thoughtfully decided to accept funding from commercial actors within the health care sector, strictly aimed at enhancing our operational capacities. This strategic decision, motivated by the urgent need to broaden our reach and capabilities, is carefully considered to ensure it does not undermine our mission, vision, goals, or the integrity of our work. Through strategic partnerships with commercial entities, we seek to harness additional resources, expertise, and networks to substantially amplify our impact, ensuring these collaborations align with our core values and objectives and contribute meaningfully to our vision for health care equity.

We recognize the potential complexities and concerns this decision may generate and wish to assure our community of our deep commitment to transparency, accountability, and our mission. Our resolve to drive meaningful, positive change is stronger than ever, and we remain devoted to engaging in open dialogue, listening attentively, and transparently sharing our strategies and decisions. Together, with our partners, supporters, and the communities we serve, we are committed to forging a future where health care equity is achieved for everyone. Through collective effort, mutual understanding, and shared ambition, we will confront these challenges and realize the profound change we strive for.

As we move forward, ŷ��AƬ remains dedicated to fostering a community of future physicians who are not only clinically proficient but also compassionate advocates for change. Some of ŷ��AƬ’s impactful initiatives this fiscal year include:

1. ŷ��AƬ Digital Rural Health Corps Initiative: Addressing rural healthcare disparities through Telehealth and digital resources, enhancing digital literacy in targeted counties.
2. ��Doris Duke Foundation Collaboration: Leading a study and advocacy plan to drive change in medical research, with the help of our Racial Equity Civic Science Fellow to promote diversity and inclusivity in healthcare.
3. Healing the Gap Initiative: Promotes inclusive medical research with three pillars: a Research Directory for student opportunities, Advocacy for awareness and change, and a Spotlight Series on equitable research. Leveraging ŷ��AƬ’s network and social justice commitment, it tackles under-representation, offering resources and advocacy for inclusivity and effectiveness in healthcare.
4. Reproductive Health Project: Advocating for full access to reproductive health services, providing education and training, and offering scholarships for projects focusing on reproductive justice research.

To learn more about the PPP and CBIA changes, please check out our updated governing documents and our proposed resolution. Together, let’s continue to strive for a better, more equitable healthcare system for all.

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Good News, Bad News, Headlines Spotlight Abortion Care��

Written by Becky Martin, ŷ��AƬ Senior Manager of Reproductive Health Advocacy

Headlines in the news shine more light on abortion care, reproductive justice, injustice – and nearly write this Spotlight. This week we’ve seen some good, and some stunningly unbelievable, news about abortion care.��

Starting with some good news from Europe. Lawmakers in Poland began , and the with President of Renew Europe, Valérie Hayer, stating:

“Women’s rights must never fall victim to populism. While Europe’s radical right works hard to find new ways to push through their reactionary agenda, we need to remain a frontrunner and be firmer than ever in upholding women’s rights.
It is time for the right to abortion to be enshrined in law for all Europeans.
Your body, your rights.”����

Now, onto some of the unbelievable U.S. headlines and news:��

• One in Five Women of Reproductive Age in States with Abortion Bans Say They or Someone They Know Has Had Difficulty Accessing an Abortion Since Dobbs, KFF –
• In states with abortion bans, women often take the pill alone, afraid, Washington Post�� –
• Arizona Supreme Court rules state must adhere to century-old law banning nearly all abortions, CNN –

As we move closer to the 6-week abortion ban in Florida that starts May 1, we read with horror headlines such as ; and Advocates fear Florida’s 6-week abortion ban will .��

And, deeper dives into headlines from Arizona found shouts of ‘ followed by disgust as . With all this, it should be no surprise that .��

Yet, . Dr. DeShawn Taylor, an OB-GYN physician, abortion provider and the CEO of the only Black woman-operated abortion clinic in Arizona emphasizes she “will continue to provide abortions until we are made to stop.”��

State attorneys general are stepping up! Arizona AG says she . Additionally, announcing:

“Arizonans dismayed by today’s ruling should know this – if your needs bring you to Nevada,
Nevada will protect you.”

Without surprise, doctors – who like ŷ��AƬ, believe legal, safe, voluntary abortions should be available to all who need them, regardless of how much they earn, who they work for, or what state they live in – are stepping up too! ��Read – Groups such as Aid Access, Hey Jane and Just the Pill stay in close contact to help women seeking abortions in states with bans. Find out what you should and the .

We also invite you to explore the resources below, and consider sharing them with friends and colleagues:

• Destigmatizing Abortion: Actually, Medication Abortion Is Totally Safe, National Women’s Law Center –
• Mifepristone in the Court: What Future Physicians Need to Know, ŷ��AƬ Repro eNews #9 –
• Self-Managed Abortion in the United States, Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports –
  • Recent Findings: Evidence indicates that there is growing demand for self-managed abortion in the USA as obstacles to facility-based care increase, especially since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Self-managed abortion with medications is safe and effective.
• Self-Managed Abortion: Fact Sheet, Physicians for Reproductive Health –
• How to have a safe self-managed abortion: A self-managed abortion can be just as safe and effective as the more traditional, facility-based approach. Here’s how. Doctors Without Borders –
• Let’s talk about self-managed abortion, Planned Parenthood –
• Legal Rights & Risks: Self-managed abortion & abortion pills, Repro Legal Helpline –
• Patient Confidentiality & Self-Managed Abortion: A Guide to Protecting Your Patients & Yourself, If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice –
• Confronting Pregnancy Criminalization: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Providers, Lawyers, Medical Examiners, Child Welfare Workers, and Policymakers. Pregnancy Justice –

Please send any related resources you find interesting and your comments to rhp@amsa.org.

*Note: an excerpt of this Spotlight is included in��ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project eNews #11: Good News, Bad News, Headlines Spotlight Abortion Care, April 13, 2024. Find the current and past issues in the��ŷ��AƬ Repro eNews Archive.

Explore the ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project
Find news, tips, tools, opportunities�� & more!

for ŷ��AƬ Repro Project Updates

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Speaking Truth to Power, Lifting Voices for Reproductive Freedom

Written by Becky Martin, ŷ��AƬ Senior Manager of Reproductive Health Advocacy
and Aliye Runyan, MD, ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Strategist

To paraphrase an old saying: evil thrives when good people do or say nothing. Doing and saying nothing has never been ŷ��AƬ’s approach. Rather, ŷ��AƬ strives to embody the sage words of civil rights freedom fighter and former U.S. House Representative John Lewis, may�� he rest in power:

When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up.
You have to say something; you have to do something.
You must find a way to get in the way and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.

Last year at our Future Physicians for Change 2023 conference, as we approached the 1-year mark of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Dr. Kristyn Brandi (then the Darney-Landy Fellow at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Immediate Past Board Chair, Physicians for Reproductive Health) gave an inspiring and thought-provoking keynote address: Following the Oath or the Law: Teaching Civil Disobedience in Medical Training.

This year, in what PBS NewsHour recently called “” (see NEWS link below) the ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project is proud to bring another innovative voice calling for reproductive freedom and justice for all as a keynote speaker at in Washington DC:��

, co-creator of the theory of Reproductive Justice, 2022 MacArthur Fellow, and Professor at Smith College where she teaches courses on white supremacy, human rights, and Calling In the Call Out culture, will join us in Washington DC to give a keynote address at .

As we approach another year without federal protection for abortion rights in the U.S, lifting voices speaking truth to power, along with those of allies advocating for comprehensive reproductive health care, including�� legal, safe, voluntary abortions for all who need them (regardless of how much they earn, who they work for, or what state they live in) and connecting them with future physicians is critically important if we are to turn the tide on rising , reclaim the right to abortion care, and ensure reproductive freedom and justice for all.

Voices willing to speak truth to power in the face of growing threats to our democracy are also vitally important as we move deeper into our post-Roe reality. As reported in Health Affairs: . Countries with universal health care also have far rates than we do in the U.S. These are true, but far too little known, facts. Lack of wide understanding of these facts by many Americans, including many elected officials who are crafting and funding our health care policies, does not make them untrue despite what many might choose to believe. With truth as our north star and understanding that there “aren’t two sides to facts” we commend to you this thought-provoking voice speaking truth to power: .��

As always we welcome your thought and comments, please email rhp@amsa.org

Explore the ŷ��AƬ Reproductive Health Project

Find news, tips, tools, opportunities�� & more!
for ŷ��AƬ Repro Project Updates

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