The 2024 AfroTech Conference featured a transformative session on advancing equitable access to reproductive health rights.
The panel, moderated by Alencia Johnson, Author and Founder of 1063 West Broad, brought together influential voices in healthcare and social justice, including Dr. Simone Whitmore, board-certified OB/GYN and star of Married to Medicine, and Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood.
Addressing Critical Issues in Reproductive Health
During the session, Dr. Simone highlighted the disproportionate impact of restrictive abortion laws on Black women, particularly in states like Georgia.
She detailed the long-term consequences of these bans, stating:
“The majority of Black women live in states that have abortion demands. Residents training in OB-GYN programs in these states are not learning to perform abortions. Even if these laws are reversed, the gap in clinical expertise will persist.”
This concern underscores the broader issue of access to comprehensive reproductive care for marginalized communities.
Bridging Advocacy and Action
Alexis McGill Johnson reinforced the importance of advocacy in the fight for reproductive health equity, sharing Planned Parenthood’s ongoing efforts to challenge discriminatory policies and ensure all individuals have access to essential care.
The session offered practical strategies for attendees to drive change in their communities, from grassroots organizing to influencing policy reforms.
Empowering Communities Through Dialogue
Alencia Johnson guided the discussion with a focus on actionable solutions. “This conversation isn’t just about addressing inequities—it’s about creating sustainable pathways to reproductive justice for all,” she remarked.
The panel left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose in advocating for reproductive health equity, particularly for women of color and underserved communities.
