Advancing Reproductive Justice
We believe everyone should have a fundamental and absolute right to make their own choices about their health care, particularly their reproductive health. Since the Dobbs decision, 21 states have banned or restricted access to abortion, creating the inconceivable reality of a lack of access to basic health care for millions of people.
Today’s abortion restrictions disproportionately impact communities of color as well as people earning low incomes, who identify as LGBTQIA+, and whose first language is not English. These populations already experience complex historical, social, economic, and systemic factors that worsen health outcomes – like poverty, racism in the health care system, a lack of culturally representative care providers, and other discriminatory health care practices. Now, in addition, communities face even greater barriers to accessing abortion and other reproductive health care, deepening disparities in health and wealth.
Abortion restrictions disproportionately impact communities of color, worsening systemic inequities.
In 2024, 21 states ban or restrict abortion, and more restrictions are coming
In its landmark 2022 Dobbs decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that the constitution does not confer a right to abortion, leaving states to regulate the procedure. Now, 21 states ban abortion or restrict the procedure earlier in pregnancy than the standard set 50 years ago by Roe v. Wade – and as abortion restrictions tighten, more states are likely to limit other reproductive care such as contraception access.
These restrictions disproportionally impact communities of color and deepen inequities
Today’s abortion restrictions disproportionately impact historically marginalized communities. These populations already experience complex historical, social, economic, and systemic factors that worsen health outcomes – like poverty, racism in the health care system, a lack of culturally representative care providers, and other discriminatory health care practices.
Consequently, 22 million+ women are going without basic health care
An estimated 22 million people, including 1 in 3 women of reproductive age lack basic healthcare. As a result, millions of pregnant people must travel tremendous distances to access the healthcare they want – and some may feel forced to pursue self-induced abortions or abortions performed by unqualified professionals, leading to serious injuries and infections, and many preventable deaths.
Our Approach
Historically marginalized people need help today accessing abortion and family planning contraceptive services that are becoming increasingly restricted. In partnership with community-based organizations, we work to eliminate barriers to care, especially for communities of color. Katz Amsterdam helps increase access to reproductive health care by providing general operating support to reproductive justice organizations working to protect abortion and contraception access, particularly within communities of color.
Our partners activities include:
- Advocating for reproductive justice as a fundamental right
- Protecting and educating abortion providers
- Connecting abortion-seekers with care
Through its grantmaking, Katz Amsterdam seeks to reduce persistent racial disparities in access to abortion and contraception services and by increasing the power, reach and influence of reproductive justice organizations. Katz Amsterdam is committed to helping sustain organizations working within marginalized and underrepresented communities to foster lasting and systemic change.