Black women have always worked to ensure and expand reproductive freedom, even as their own bodies and rights were overlooked. Now, mainstream society is finally beginning to elevate and celebrate Black women's stories. We center their experiences and admit that none of us is free until Black women are free — because Black women bear so much of the burden when restrictions are placed on our bodies.
Planned Parenthood has been shaped by Black women throughout its 104-year history. My leadership is inspired by Faye Wattleton, the first Black president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, who served from 1978 to 1992. She was the first woman since Margaret Sanger to lead the organization, and at 35, was one of the youngest people to hold the position.
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We have also seen pioneers in the medical field come through our doors. For over 25 years, Dr. Thelma Patten, one of the first Black women OB/GYNs in Texas, provided medical care at the Planned Parenthood Houston center that opened in 1936. Dr. Nellie Louise Young was the first Black woman licensed to practice medicine in the state of Maryland and operated a Planned Parenthood health center in Baltimore.
More recently, Planned Parenthood staff have advanced the fight for reproductive rights beyond our walls. In 1994, Cassandra McConnell was one of 12 Black women who named and founded the Reproductive Justice movement during her time on staff at Planned Parenthood of Greater Cleveland.
Reproductive Justice pushes beyond just legal rights to address the systems of social, political, and economic oppression that prevent many people — especially people of color — from having basic human rights like access to abortion and other reproductive health care. Planned Parenthood is proud to stand with Black women, support the Reproductive Justice organizations leading this work, and amplify the stories of the Black women who shaped our organization and those who pave the way for the next generation.
As we celebrate Black History Month, I want to call out just some of the many incredible Reproductive Justice organizations — and the amazing Black women leading them — who continue to carry out this crucial work: SisterSong, SisterReach, Movement for Black Lives, Women with a Vision, Black Women for Wellness, SPARK Reproductive Justice Now!, and Access Reproductive Care-Southeast.
Their work strengthens our lives and our efforts to make reproductive health care accessible to all.
Help us celebrate these partner organizations by making a gift to them today.
Thank you for standing with Black women, this month and always.
