FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2021

Media Contact:
Alyson Malinger, West End Strategy Team
amalinger@westendstrategy.com; 917-935-7311

National Council of Jewish Women supports the more than 30 Black women’s organizations that helped produce this agenda that, if enacted, would ensure equitable access to health care for all

WASHINGTON — Following the launch of the Black Reproductive Justice Policy Agenda by 30 Black women’s organizations and activists, National Council of Jewish Women CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement congratulating them on the launch and committing to continue to follow their lead to ensure equitable access to health care for all.

“National Council of Jewish Women congratulates our partners at In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Interfaith Voices for Reproductive Justice and SisterLove, Inc. on the launch of their new Black Reproductive Justice Policy Agenda in collaboration with more than 30 Black women’s organizations and Reproductive Justice activists.

“The fundamental right to make decisions about one’s own body, life, and future is essential to the pursuit of racial and reproductive justice. The new policy agenda provides pathways to do just that. Black women are disproportionately harmed by restrictions on access to reproductive healthcare. The policy agenda presents proactive solutions that address the lived experiences of Black women, femmes, girls, and gender-expansive individuals in the United States – the first time a document of this kind has ever been produced. It is essential work, and ought to be utilized by historically white reproductive rights organizations, along with Congress and the White House.

“At National Council of Jewish Women, we know that our fight for racial, reproductive, and economic justice, with our 200,000 advocates across the country, must always be intersectional. As a historically white organization that has fought for reproductive access for decades, National Council of Jewish Women commits to following the lead of our Black and BIPOC partners and advocates. We will ensure that our ongoing advocacy for reproductive justice aligns with this bold policy agenda so that one day everyone has the right to decide for themself if, when, and how to have and raise our families.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.