This spring, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Program and Partnerships Intern with the
National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH), an advocacy organization that works alongside state
and local groups to advance reproductive health, rights, and justice. NIRH’s mission to create equitable
access to reproductive healthcare, while centering the voices of those most affected by systemic barriers,
resonated deeply with my academic and personal interests in policy, advocacy, and social justice.
As a political science and Africana studies major, I’ve always been passionate about the intersection of
policy and reproductive rights. However, my understanding of reproductive justice was somewhat limited
prior to my internship. While I was concerned about issues like abortion and contraceptive
access—especially in the wake of recent political shifts—I soon realized that reproductive justice is a
much broader and more nuanced movement.
Through my work with NIRH, I discovered that reproductive justice encompasses a wide array of issues,
including housing, culturally competent healthcare, and environmental justice, in addition to the more
widely discussed topics like abortion and comprehensive sex education. This expanded definition of
reproductive justice was eye-opening and has transformed the way I think about advocacy. It’s no longer
just about protecting the right to access healthcare; it’s about ensuring that individuals have the support
and resources to make empowered, informed decisions about their lives in a society that often overlooks
their needs.
Throughout my internship, I had the chance to dive deep into research related to birth justice and
reproductive healthcare access. One of my most engaging projects allowed me to research barriers to birth
justice in three states. Along with searching for reproductive justice organizations and culturally
responsive birth workers in each state, I utilized Fiscal to identify relevant policies. This project was
incredibly enriching and not only strengthened my research skills but also expanded my understanding of
the different barriers communities face across state lines.
This internship has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on the future of reproductive justice and
my potential role in it. It’s reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy, and I’ve gained invaluable hands-on
experience that will inform my career moving forward. I’m eager to continue my work with NIRH this
summer, where I look forward to building on the research I’ve conducted and exploring new projects that
further NIRH’s mission to create lasting change in reproductive healthcare access.
