Last week the post-election was full of heartbreak for many – especially for many black women and other people of color who feel that Donald Trump’s victory is a personal affront to their rights. But while we must take time and space to grievethis moment should also push us to action.

For many, Trump’s victory raised immediate fears legislative pushback on life-changing rights, freedoms and reproductive care. Given his administration’s attacks on bodily autonomy, the need for sustained support in reproductive justice work has never been more urgent. The importance of supporting organizations focused on reproductive justice is a matter of collective survival, dignity and liberation.

Reproductive justice (RJ) is not just about access to abortion, although this is of course a pressing issue and one of the main points of interest since Roe v. Wade was overturned. RJ is all about ensuring the right to have children, the right not to have children, and the right to parent in a safe and supportive environment. Critically, these safe and supportive environments include access to prenatal care, affordable child care, paid family leave, and economic opportunities that enable a positive parenting experience.

As we face an administration that actively works to undermine these rights, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that marginalized communities, those already most at risk, have the resources they need to organize , defend and work to fight for these fundamental freedoms. Looking at the terribly dark maternal and child health outcomes For Black people and other people of color, it is clear that we all need to get involved in the fight. In Our Voice: The National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Program led a survey illustrating negative outcomes related to reproductive health and found that nearly 7 million Black women ages 15 to 47 live in a state that has or is likely to ban abortion. This alarming figure, combined with a project 39 percent The increase in black maternal mortality if abortion were banned in all states shows how vital this struggle for autonomy is.

Given the principles on which Trump ran his campaign, it is clear that the fight for reproductive justice will face even greater obstacles in the years to come. But we must not stand idly by; Immediately, we can begin financially supporting organizations focused on health outcomes for Black people and people of color. The resilience of these RJ organizations continues to be a beacon of hope, and your financial support can help ensure they can continue to positively impact the community and thrive. In addition to donating, we can support them by following them on social media, subscribing to their mailing lists, attending events, donating our time, and passing their messages on to new people.

An umbrella organization making an impact across the United States

SisterSong is the largest national multi-ethnic reproductive justice collective, centering its work on maintaining personal bodily autonomy, whether your decision is to have children or not to have children. They provide training and workshops on reproductive justice across the country, and conduct policy work and advocacy to try to secure autonomy and liberation. SisterSong prioritizes access to reproductive care, from abortion to sexual health education, STI prevention and care, adequate prenatal and postnatal care, and much more. Its Birth Justice Fund funds essential services and items, and also provides a directory of birth attendants for residents of Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina. Donate here.

An organization fighting the effects of the Texas abortion ban

The Afiya Center (TAC) works to educate the public about harmful reproductive health and abortion policies in Texas, which completely bans abortion. They are also trying to combat the stigma and fear tactics currently faced by black women seeking abortions. They provide HIV testing and education, mutual support, and full-spectrum doula services to Black families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. TAC is the only RJ organization in North Texas that identifies as being founded and led by Black women. They focus on impacting other Black women and girls through education, resources, and shelter, while elevating the voices of Black women on this journey to reproductive freedom. Donate here.

An organization focused on sexual health education

SisterLove is the premier women’s HIV, sexual and reproductive justice advocacy organization in the Southeast United States, founded in 1989. It works to reduce stigma, discrimination and violence through policy research , publications and advocacy. Across Atlanta, SisterLove offers comprehensive sexual health services such as free HIV/STI testing, care and support. The organization also funds clinical trials and public health research that addresses sexual health barriers specific to Black women, women of color, and marginalized communities. Donate here.

An organization fighting the maternal mortality crisis

Shades of Blue Project works to improve birth outcomes specifically related to the maternal mortality crisis among Black women, as well as provide mental health support during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The organization participates in policy work and advocacy and provides social support services to Black mothers in Houston. Founder Kay Matthews also created Black Maternal Mental Health Week (BMMHW), which focuses on identifying challenges, creating solutions, and providing compassion-centered training for healthcare workers like doulas, midwives and clinicians. Donate here.

An organization that supports black mothers

Alliance of Black Moms Matter (BMMA), led by Angela DoyinsolaAinais an alliance that serves as the national voice and coordinating entity for various organizations working to advance maternal health. BMMA centers Black moms and birthing people to ensure they can thrive before, during and after pregnancy. They provide training, technical assistance and capacity building support to grassroots organizations, maternity care service providers, academia and the public health sector. BMMA has numerous partners, connections and collaborations across the United States, including some of the organizations listed above. Donate here.

Natasha Marshall is a Chicago-born, Houston-based women’s health advocate passionate about reproductive health, body image, and self-esteem. She holds a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences and is currently working to make education, contraception, and reproductive care more accessible to women in Houston.