In 2023, we commissioned participatory action research that centered young people in our post-Dobbs world. In Our Words report curated the reproductive justice conversation among girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of color who are already parenting, who are not yet ready to parent, who need healthcare simply because it is a necessity, and who will not remain silent as their most basic human rights are stripped away by people in positional power so far removed from the reality of their lives and the needs of their communities.

In 2024, we doubled down on our commitment to center girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people as the national narrative continues to focus on how the overturning of Roe v. Wade impacts access to reproductive health – and expands our maternal health crisis. We are launching the Reproductive and Maternal Health Study research project to shed light on some of the most pressing issues that young people of color face when navigating pregnancy, abortion, and motherhood. The project follows the three pillars of reproductive justice, as defined by Sister Song:

• The right to have a child.
• The right to not have a child.
• The right to parent a child in a safe and sustainable environment.

This project is unique in its focus on young people, ages 12 to 26, who have been understudied concerning pregnancy, abortion, and parenthood. The research will include a national survey and regional focus groups with youth of color. Consistent with all Justice + Joy research, the study is being designed, conducted, and analyzed by young people working in collaboration with staff. Currently we are engaging partners in launching the survey across the country.

To get involved to fund and support this work or to learn more about the sample, methods, research questions and products for each phase of research contact – Dr. Jamelia Harris.