Reproductive Justice
YWCA Northeast Kansas supports reproductive justice for all.
For more than fifty years, YWCA USA has supported the reproductive freedom of all people to make fundamental decisions about whether and when to have children. We are striving to create a world in which all women—especially women of color—are free from racism and sexism, and can thrive. We refuse to sit on the sidelines during this historic moment.
Reproductive Justice is Racial Justice
Quality, affordable, culturally-competent health care is critical to everyone. But for many women, children, people of color, and trauma survivors, getting the medical care and insurance coverage they need is a struggle. Moreover, unequal access to health care is a driving factor in racial disparities in maternal and other health outcomes in the U.S.
The effects of increased abortion restrictions and bans will be felt most by young women and women of color, LGBTQ+ persons, immigrants, and other populations who experience barriers to accessing healthcare services. In addition, people of color, especially Black people, have a higher risk of pregnancy complications, maternal mortality, and infant mortality (CDC). It is crucial that efforts to protect abortion rights are rooted in racial justice, and address the racist structures within the healthcare system and healthcare policy.
2022 ↘
On June 24, United States Supreme Court officially reversed the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, stripping people of the federal constitutional right to abortion. Make no mistake: YWCA stands in support of reproductive freedom for all. Click here to read YWCA USA’s amicus brief in the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
On August 2nd, Kansans overwhelmingly voted to retain the constitutional right to an abortion as protected by a 2019 Kansas State Supreme Court decision. Abortion remains legal in Kansas. YWCA Northeast Kansas is committed to working for the protection of reproductive rights, and the advancement of reproductive justice in our state.
Voices for Reproductive Justice
Virtual Discussion with Planned Parenthood Great Plains
May 2022
In May 2022, YWCA’s Regina Platt, Allison Marker, and board member Megan Williams sat down with Dr. Iman Alsaden to discuss the state of abortion rights in Kansas. Watch the conversation to learn more about the history that led us to this point, and how you can be a part of the effort to protect reproductive rights for all.
Panel Discussion
July 2022
On July 20, 2022, six local leaders, advocates, and providers held a panel discussion on the state of abortion rights in Kansas and what is at stake in the August 2nd election. This discussion was streamed from St. David’s Episcopal Church in Topeka, and made possible in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Topeka – Shawnee County, Women for Kansas – Northeast Chapter, and Kansas Women Attorneys for Freedom. View the full replay here.
Rally at the Statehouse
July 2022
Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Kansas Statehouse to raise their voices in support of abortion rights - and to urge Kansans to Vote No on the August 2022 ballot initiative. If passed, the ballot initiative would have removed the constitutional right to bodily autonomy from the Kansas state constitution.
On August 2nd, Kansas voters soundly rejected the ballot initiative.
Photos: Shawn Brackbill, 2022
