In 2025, two critical issues are shaping the conversation around birth and reproductive justice: the potential dissolution of the White House Gender Policy Council and the possible enforcement of the Comstock Act. Both developments carry profound implications for our work at Chicago Volunteer Doulas and the communities we serve. As an organization dedicated to reproductive and birth justice, we believe it is vital to break down these changes, their potential impact, and how we can work together to respond. Here's what the CVD community needs to know moving forward in navigating into 2025.
What is the Gender Policy Council, and Why Does It Matter?
The White House Gender Policy Council (GPC) was created to advance gender equity in policies impacting health care, economic security, and gender-based violence prevention. Its work has been pivotal in supporting reproductive health programs and advocating for systemic equity. If dismantled under the current administration, programs tied to reproductive health access, including funding and advocacy for marginalized communities, may face significant setbacks.
For CVD, this would mean potential reductions in federal support for initiatives that promote equitable access to birth support and resources, making local efforts and coalition-building even more critical.
The Comstock Act: A 19th-Century Law with 21st-Century Implications
The Comstock Act, first enacted in 1873, could be revived to restrict access to reproductive health resources sent through the mail. For families and individuals in states with restrictive reproductive health laws, this poses a significant threat to access, autonomy, and essential care.
CVD recognizes that such enforcement could disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities already facing systemic barriers to care. In Illinois, a state committed to reproductive freedom, this may lead to an influx of individuals seeking resources, further straining local organizations.
What Can Be Done?
At CVD, we believe in proactive dialogue and coalition-building to navigate these challenges.
Here’s how we’re responding:
Strengthening Local Resources: By investing in community-led programs and training more Doulas, we aim to ensure equitable access to birth and reproductive care regardless of federal changes.
Advocacy and Awareness: Partnering with organizations that fight for reproductive justice, we amplify voices to challenge regressive policies and protect access to care.
Engaging Our Community: We rely on supporters like you to sustain these efforts. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply staying informed, your engagement matters.
Together, we can rise to meet these challenges, supporting one another and ensuring that every family has access to the care they need.
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