SisterSong’s Statement on the Ongoing Crisis in Gaza and Global Reproductive Injustices
This statement is attributable to Monica Simpson, Executive Director of SisterSong: Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective:
“As an organization championing Reproductive Justice and human rights, we know that all movements for human rights are inextricably linked, and we are keenly attuned to how state-sponsored violence impacts birthing people and children—who are the focus of our work—the most. Fighting for safe and sustainable communities is at the core of our mission.
In witnessing the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian women, children, and families that has been exacerbated since October 7th, SisterSong has been grieving, listening and learning. We convened a Leadership Summit with more than 80 Reproductive Justice leaders from across the country to create a safe space for leaders to engage in deep political education regarding the crisis in Gaza, build political unity, and map out a plan for increasing our international solidarity work. Our goal for this and any crisis response is to show up authentically and with a sustained and long-term organizing plan to support any statements we make.
As we continue our internal work–and determine how and in what ways the domestic Reproductive Justice movement can take our fight for liberation and human rights to a global scale–we want to state unequivocally that what is happening to Palestinians in Gaza is a Reproductive Justice crisis. Unrelenting military attacks have killed more than 30,000 Palestinians and made the region unsafe for everyone. There has been a substantial increase in miscarriages and tens of thousands of pregnant people who have been deprived from proper prenatal care or access to a healthcare clinic to give birth, and the impact on infants and children has been devastating.
We call for an immediate ceasefire to the violence in Gaza, pathways to be made for delivery of food, medical supplies, and lifesaving aid to Palestinians and the release of all hostages. We’re also pushing for an end to reproductive injustices happening in various countries globally, including the millions of lives lost in Sudan, and the crisis in Haiti, and the sexual assault, forced labor and displacement of Congolese people.
We move as a movement anchored by many leaders of good conscience and community trust. We call for unity within the movement and ask for continued grace from those who support us as we counter injustices. With attacks from an opposition that wants to see our doors closed, we remain steadfast in our mission, particularly as we navigate one of the most hostile environments for Reproductive Justice. We are grateful for calls to grow and expand our work to achieve a global impact. SisterSong remains committed to showing up each day to achieve Reproductive Justice for the most marginalized among us–both at home and abroad.”
Monica Simpson, Executive Director
Stephanie Lozano, SisterSong Board Chair & SisterSong Board of Directors