gun violence is a reproductive justice issue

TW: mention of gun violence and white supremacy

Gun violence is a reproductive justice issue.

Yet again, today we are mourning ten more lives lost to senseless gun violence. The violent taking of life by mass shooters, vigilantes, white supremacists, and at the hands of the state has become a weekly, if not daily occurrence. We are tired and grieving and unable to heal in this culture of normalized violence against our bodies. Gun violence is a reproductive justice issue. One of the core tenets of reproductive justice is to ensure ‘safe, livable and thriving environments’. Mothers should be able to raise healthy and happy children and see them thrive as adults. We should not be burying our children, stolen away by bullets.

Until we collectively see gun violence and the larger culture of white supremacy as a reproductive justice issue that impacts us all, we will continue to mourn with more mothers.

White supremacy is at the very core of these senseless mass shootings. In a week, we have collectively experienced so much horrific violent trauma as well as witnessed clearly the biased, inequitable privilege guaranteed to white supremacists that terrorize our nation. Countless innocent Black people are murdered by police year after year. Yet we continue to watch mass shooters be apprehended and escorted into custody alive and well by the same law enforcement who hold their boots on the necks of the Black community.

As a reproductive justice organization, we unapologetically call out white supremacy and demand that gun violence becomes a priority in this administration. Sensible gun laws are not enough. Background checks are not enough. A complete dismantling of this country’s justice system is necessary. Our leaders must act now to ensure the safety of our people and #DOTHEWORK to eradicate white supremacy.

#GunViolenceIsAReproductiveJusticeIssue