Since the 2016 election it seems that reproductive rights have been publicly under attack.
Across the country states have taken strong and violent strides to restrict abortion access and limit access to other forms of sexual and reproductive care. The war has been brought to California’s doorstep with the proposed recall. The recall of Governor Newsom’s tenancy was a dangerous notion because California is identified as one of the most progressive states in the U.S., and they serve as the blueprint for advocacy for sexual and reproductive justice. The recall election was an attempt by Republicans to gain power in the progressive state. California is arguably one of the main states that shapes and challenges this country’s direction on reproductive justice. Governor Newsom was outspoken about the silence of the Supreme Court regarding S.B. 8. He vowed to protect the access to abortion and lead California on expanding access to reproductive and sexual health care. Governor Newsom has demonstrated his comments to reproductive justice by signing bills and advancing investments to expand health care access.
The past administration, under Trump, demonstrated a commitment to oppression and the maltreatment of marginalized persons. Specifically, they made changes that cut into the funding of RJ organizations. Governor Newsom being recalled from his position would be a blow to progressive movements. Other state leaders are hustling backwards by attempting to block the reproductive liberties of their residents. Rather than increasing barriers to access to care, Governor Newsom has been instrumental in reducing those barriers. Had the recall been successful it likely would have resulted in the rollback of significant reproductive liberties and significant regression in reproductive movements on a policy level. An anti-reproductive justice governor signals an attack on the autonomy of a state’s residents.
SisterLove ,Inc. vehemently believes everyone deserves the right to control when and how they become parents and they and their children deserve access to quality care. Reproductive justice happens to be woven into California’s state statutes and constitutional protections. However, a governor still controls funding and could restrict further attempts to expand access. The threat of the Governor’s recall could mean a great limiting of the rights of patients looking for healthcare related to contraception and abortion.
Black women have some of the worst maternal healthcare outcomes and Governor Newsom signed SB 464 by Senator Holly Mitchell to improve Black maternal health care. This was a huge step in addressing the racial inequities that Black women face.
Thankfully, the majority of voters voted “no” in the recall election. By California allowing Governor Newsom to remain in office there was a win for reproductive justice. California has some of the strongest protections in the country and by surviving the recall election these protections will remain in place for a little longer. The fight is not over as reproductive rights are still under attack. We must be vigilant in the way we stand against any force that abridges our personal liberties or freedoms.
SisterLove ,Inc. supports increased access to quality healthcare and the reproductive justice organizations that are working to amplify the important issues. We signed onto a letter in support of what is known as the California Black Maternal Health Momnibus Bill. The package, co-led by Congresswoman Alma Adams, was composed of nine new bills dedicated to addressing the maternal mortality crisis in California, and all across the United States. On September 10th, the California Senate approved the California Momnibus Act. As is evident from California’s passage of this legislation, California has shown themselves to be trailblazers in the reproductive justice movement and we support the forward movement.