Manifesto: The Black women's call to action for reproductive health, rights and justice

Black and African American Women have a unique experience and history in the United States and worldwide. Histories of slavery, oppression and institutionalized racism shape their perspectives on health as well as on healthcare professionals, and institutions providing healthcare services. Black Women for Wellness, a Los Angeles, California based non-profit organization, has convened conferences, collected and summarized evaluations, and engaged in conversations with women of color to develop a Manifesto on Reproductive Justice. The Reproductive Justice Manifesto is a publication that gives insight on how race, gender, class and sexuality along with the professionals and institutions offering health care services, can work together to uplift or oppress a woman's ability to make informed decisions about her reproductive health. Additionally, the manifesto provides a holistic framework that critically analyzes how race, gender, and class must be considered multi-layered contributors to the personal health of Black women and their communities to address reproductive health, reproductive rights and reproductive justice. Moreover, the Manifesto is Black Women for Wellness' "call to action" for communities of color to build movement for the reproductive rights of women and girls in the following areas: Leadership Development, Policy/Advocacy, Research and Alliance Building.