There is a common misconception that “reproductive rights” and “reproductive justice” are synonymous with each other and can be used interchangeably. They most definitely are not. The reproductive rights framework advocates and organizes on behalf of abortion and contraception rights. Reproductive justice, on the other hand, focuses on other equally important issues including reproductive health-care access, pregnancy and childbirth, maternal mortality, reproductive technology and assistance, and so on. The framework intentionally includes these issues but also goes far beyond just reproductive health and rights to highlight the intersections of race, class, gender, socioeconomic status, immigration status, religion, and the other intersections of women and people’s lives.

Birthed by Black feminists and led by women and queer people of color, reproductive justice organizations center the voices of the marginalized, dismantling the racial and economic power structures that have kept middle- and upper-class white women in leadership roles and at the helm of activism campaigns. Reproductive justice focuses on an intersection of all human rights, while other frameworks offer a siloed, less-effective strategy that does not center those most vulnerable.

Before you consider donating, volunteering, or otherwise working with a national organization doing work around reproductive health or rights, ask yourself these questions:

  • Are there any people of color in leadership in this organization?
  • Have I looked at their board? Do they have diverse members from different communities on it?
  • Is there a reproductive justice group already working in this same area? Have I reached out to them first?
  • Has this organization formed a coalition with other groups that center marginalized communities in their activism and leadership? If so, are they actively allowing the other groups to lead?
  • Does this organization have a reputation for supporting the best practices of local organizers in a hands-off manner, instead of silencing local activists to fit the greater national message?
  • Does this organization have a reputation for supporting women of color rather than co-opting their work?

Read the full article about funding reproductive justice by Robin Marty at Dame Magazine.