Good evening,

As we continue to wrap our heads around the Supreme Court overturning of Roe v. Wade, I’m not sure about you, but I have moved past the shock and am ready to act. Instead of feeling powerless, I’m feeling powerful. One of the best ways we can reclaim our power is at the polls. When I voted in my state’s primary election, it felt good to be able to do something impactful. My vote is powerful and I’m making sure my elected officials know that I am a Reproductive Justice (RJ) Voter. 
  
Of course, I live in Maryland and know that many of the state and federal elected officials I voted for fully understand that abortion rights and voting rights are inextricably linked. But many politicians in other states who are denying our access to abortion are also trying to deny our access to the ballot box. Black people fought too hard and long for the right to vote — many losing their lives in the struggle — to allow racism to keep us away from the polls. Voting is our power. 
  
I plan to use my voice to continue this conversation. On July 19, I had the honor of joining Erin Grant, Deputy Director of Abortion Care Network, and Kwajelyn Jackson, Executive Director of the Feminist Women’s Health Center to discuss Post Roe: What’s Next for Black Women. You can view the full discussion here. On Aug. 5, I will be joining Lupe Rodriguez, Executive Director of National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice at the National Association of Black Journalist and Hispanic Journalist conference for a panel titled Abortion Access + Voting Rights is a Human Rights Crisis. 
  
We will not stop until our voices are heard. Join us. You have power, you have a voice, and we need you to use both in your primary elections and in the November general election. Your voice -- your vote -- our power. 


In Solidarity,

Marcela Howell
President & CEO
In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda
We are asking Black women's organizations/Black individuals to join us in sending a strong message to members of Congress and conservative politicians around the country that Black women and birthing people refuse to allow them to deny our human right to bodily autonomy. We hope you or your organization will sign the Reproductive Justice Pledge.
WHPA and EAAA Pass the House 
On Friday, July 15, the House passed the Women’s Health Protection Act for the second time. The House also passed the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act to ensure the right to travel between states for abortion care and services. Both bills head to the Senate where they are unlikely to pass. 
Biden Executive Order 
In response to the Dobbs Supreme Court ruling, President Joe Biden signed an executive order (EO) on protecting access to reproductive healthcare services, including abortion care and contraception. Provisions in the EO include protecting access to medication abortion, improving access to contraception, ensuring access to emergency abortion care and taking steps to improve patient privacy. Our statement on the Executive Order can be found here
Join Our Government Affairs Team
We're hiring! We are currently in search of a Vice President of Government Affairs. If you’re interested or know of a qualified candidate, be sure to check out the job description and apply or share it with your networks!
Last month we shared the names of the newly selected Next Generation Leadership Institute fellows. Now, you can put faces to the names by heading to the Next Generation Leadership Institute webpage. Check this page periodically to see how these fellows will be working to advance Reproductive Justice over the next two years.
In Our Own Voice is proud to partner with organizations that work 24/7/365 to advance Reproductive Justice on a state level. Take a look at our partners in action:
All Hands on Deck!

The Afiya Center is a calling on folks who are interested in volunteering to advocate for issues impacting Black womxn and girls in Texas. Join the fight for maternal health, HIV support, and Black wellness. Get involved with the All Hands on Deck initiative.
Reproductive Justice Conference: Code Red: Sheroes for Human Rights

Join Black Women For Wellness on Aug. 9-11, 2022, for a conference devoted to addressing Reproductive Justice issues in the Black community. This conference brings together community members, advocates and healthcare providers who work to advocate for the reproductive rights of Black women and girls.
High-Touch Road Conference

Follow the High-Touch Road with High-Touch Coaching™, BWHI’s signature coaching method of engaging strategies that empower lifestyle coaches and program participants to be the best they can be!

The conference will take place on July 28-30, 2022. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from BWHI Lifestyle Coaches, Master Trainers and other Subject Matter Experts best in class and culturally appropriate strategies to enhance National DPP delivery for women of color!

Launched in January 2022, the #SayHERName Justice Fund accepts applications and awards grants on a rolling basis. The fund helps Black women, girls and gender-expansive folx who have been the victim of gender-based violence in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Cleveland. In May 2022, New Voices expanded the fund to cover abortion access and care, including travel costs to reach care in another state. Apply now to receive help with rent, mental health services, medical bills, basic hygiene products, and more.
Atlanta Health Study

If you live in Fulton, Cobb, Dekalb or Gwinnett County, Georgia, you may be eligible to participate and receive a $50 gift card. IT-PHITS Study is a collaboration between Emory University and SisterLove, Inc. To strengthen HIV prevention for women in Metro Atlanta.
Natural Family Planning Awareness Campaign Happy Hour

Join SisterReach for the Natural Family Planning Awareness Campaign Happy Hour on August 5, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. CST, live on SisterReach’s Facebook Page where CEO & Founder, Cherisse Scott, will take participants step-by-step through the process of charting their menstrual cycles.
Reignite Virtual Mini Conference

Join SPARK and the 2022 FYRE Campers for our first ever Reignite Conference on July 30, 2022. The Reignite Virtual Mini Conference is a space for our FYRE Campers to present to our community the workshops that they have created and perfected during FYRE camp.
Medicaid Assistance

Women with a Vision is offering Medicaid assistance for those who have questions about eligibility and how to enroll.