Together, Californians defeated the attempted right-wing power grab and democracy lives to see another day in our state! BWWAP worked hard to help secure this victory, mobilizing our communities and engaging in media efforts to defeat this initiative and preserve progressive policies and values that advance the health and well-being of Black women. Watch our short highlights reel to learn more!
For decades, Black mothers and babies in our state have experienced far higher death rates than mothers and babies of other races. Lots of factors contribute to this, and BWWAP has spent years advocating for them to be addressed. In 2021, we were proud to be a lead co-sponsor of the CA Momnibus Act, which re-imagines what maternal health can look like in our state. Right after this landmark legislation was signed, we got to work spreading the word in our communities so that real women and families know about and can access their new benefits.
BWWAP was proud to participate in Governor Newsom’s virtual bill signing ceremony of SB 65, authored by Senator Skinner and known as the CA Momnibus Bill. Together, we publicly recognized California’s commitment to addressing our state’s deep racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. This bill is one historic step forward, and we look forward continuing this journey toward reproductive justice with our state’s elected leaders and community advocates.
Today, CA Governor Newsom signed SB 65 (Skinner), which re-imagines what maternal health can look like in our state. BWWAP is proud to be a lead co-sponsor of this legislation, and we commend California for its leadership in the movement to address the Black maternal and infant mortality crisis with this landmark legislation.
BWWAP Executive Director teamed up with our partners at Western Center on Law and Poverty to publish this piece in CalMatters.org. A recent report from CA Dept. of Public Health shows Black mothers in our state face higher maternal mortality rates than the rest of the country. We identify solutions to this ongoing and widening disparity, and urge the Governor to take action by signing SB 65 into law.
In the wake of anti-abortion legislation enacted in Texas, BWWAP joined ACCESS, NARAL, NHeLP, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California in forming the California Future of Abortion Council. We will convene to discuss policy solutions that help California ensure equitable abortion access. Already, our state has enacted laws aimed at protecting the rights of patients.
Together, we defeated the attempted right-wing power grab and democracy lives to see another day in California! Californians understood the assignment and executed accordingly. This win is not just about keeping Gov. Newsom in office. It is about Saving Democracy and affirming the voice of our state’s citizens. BWWAP worked hard to help secure this victory, engaging in media and field efforts to defeat this initiative and preserve progressive policies and values that advance the health and well-being of Black women.
BWWAP has been working hard to reach Californians and urge them to VOTE NO on the recall election. We have called thousands of voters and placed ads across the state because this is a chance to make our voices heard and protect our democracy! We urge Californians to cast their NO vote on or before Tuesday, September 14th.
Black Women for Wellness Action Project vehemently opposes the Texas abortion ban and we are deeply saddened to learn of the Supreme Court’s recent 5-4 decision blocking review of Texas’s unduly restrictive abortion legislation, S.B. 8.