Springfield — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and her Reproductive Justice Unit convened over 120 experts in the reproductive justice field, including community organizations, healthcare providers, legal advocates, and academics, at Western New England University School of Law in Springfield. The event aimed to facilitate discussions between the AG’s Office and legal and reproductive care experts to inform how the Office can better champion reproductive justice locally, statewide, and nationally amid national efforts to roll back these rights.
The gathering concluded with a fireside chat between AG Campbell and Loretta Ross, a nationally renowned reproductive justice activist and professor at Smith College in Northampton. In 1994, Ross co-created the theory and framework of reproductive justice which includes the right to have a child, the right not to have a child, and the right to parent children in a safe and healthy environment – all core tenets of AG Campbell’s Reproductive Justice Unit.
During an era of unprecedented national attacks on reproductive care, AG Campbell has continued to ensure Massachusetts remains a beacon for reproductive justice. One of her first actions in office was announcing the creation of the Abortion Legal Hotline (833-309-6301), a free confidential service providing legal advice related to abortion access and care.
She has filed amicus briefs with the Supreme Court of the United States to protect access to medication abortion and emergency abortion care. Additionally, she has defended access to gender-affirming care for trans youth, led efforts to implement the state’s leading shield law fully, and addressed maternal health issues by launching a $1.5 million maternal health equity grant.
“As bodily autonomy is under relentless attack nationwide, Massachusetts is doubling down on its efforts to champion, defend and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care,” said AG Campbell. “In my office we are doing this work with a hands-on approach led by experts. I’m grateful for those who joined us today to help inform our efforts.”
“True reproductive justice is all-encompassing,” said Professor Loretta Ross. “Attorney General Campbell is one of few leaders nationwide using a comprehensive approach based on expertise.”
“Access to reproductive care is being threatened nationwide,” said Judge Dina E. Fein from Western New England Law School. “We are honored to host AG Campbell for this timely convening on protecting reproductive justice.”
AG Campbell also toured Seven Sisters Midwifery and Community Birthing Center in Florence before the convening. Established in 2020 as an independent birth center owned by midwives, Seven Sisters offers prenatal support groups among other services.
“Maternal health and reproductive justice go hand-in-hand,” said Ginny Miller from Seven Sisters. “Seven Sisters was pleased to welcome AG Campbell today.”
AG Campbell released four new Know Your Rights documents focused on abortion, gender-affirming care, contraception, and state shield law.
The Reproductive Justice Unit under Director Sapna Khatri focuses on expanding access to care while addressing disparities in maternal health among other objectives.
More information on the Reproductive Justice Unit can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/reproductive-justice-unit
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