Reproductive Justice is Immigrant Justice

2023 holiday convivio - Sueños Sin Fronteras de Tejas
2023 holiday convivio - Sueños Sin Fronteras de Tejas

Addressing the Needs of Immigrant and Undocumented Communities in the U.S.

Report of SSFTX-ICUUW Collaborative Project

Sueños Sin Fronteras de Tejas (SSFTX), a women-of-color-led collective based in San Antonio, Texas, completed an impactful project titled "Building BIPOC power in San Antonio, TX: Justice, Healing, and Resistance," thanks to funding made possible by ICUUW via a UU Funding Program grant.

At the start of the project, SSFTX facilitated a pilot virtual postpartum group for six weeks, providing a supportive space for new parents to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources. For these meetings, SSFTX leaders developed and distributed Reproductive Health Kit pamphlets describing items families can use in their reproductive justice journey. Reproductive Health Kits (menstruation tea, basal thermometer, heating patches, condoms, lubricants, massage balls, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception pills, pads) were also distributed and discussed. This initiative has enhanced collective care strategies and built a foundation for long-term community empowerment and resilience.

In-person workshops, averaging 25 participants each, focused on:

  1. Immigrant Rights and Reproductive Justice. SSFTX leaders developed and distributed pamphlets on the process of booking an appointment at a reproductive health clinic, including mental and emotional tips to prepare for the appointment.
  2. Migration and Healing Justice. These workshops provided a safe and supportive environment for participants to explore mental health topics relevant to their caregiving roles, fostering community and self-care practices. They also helped to address and process the complexities of grief, celebrating resilience rooted in cultural heritage. Additionally, participants received self care kits (lavender, a notebook, a candle, and teas).
  3. Solidarity Economy. This workshop addressed the importance of an ITN (IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and empowered participants with essential knowledge to navigate financial systems and to promote financial literacy within the immigrant community.

Through intentional and culturally sensitive education and resources, SSFTX has strengthened the community's inherent connections between Reproductive Justice and Immigrant Justice. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations, breaking down societal stigmas and creating a sense of solidarity. The voices of the San Antonio immigrant community have resulted in added components to SSFTX's programming, including the launch of Postpartum Support Circles and the distribution of Postpartum Care Kits.

This project has exemplified the power of collaborations and collective resistance to advocate for equitable solutions to the persisting challenges of undocumented and immigrant communities in the U.S.

How can you further support this initiative?