Black Women for Wellness presents the 24th Annual Reproductive Justice Conference on August 10, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at The California Endowment, 1000 North Alameda Street in Los Angeles.
The event will feature experts, healthcare providers, live podcasting, advocates, and government officials and include workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speakers on topics ranging from maternal health to reproductive rights to environmental justice.
This year’s theme – Black Women Healing From Our Past, Present and Preparing For Our Future – emphasizes the need of identifying and healing from past traumas while protecting the present and building a better future for Black women and girls. The conference hopes to provide a space where attendees can learn from one another, share resources, and collaborate to create tangible and positive change by bringing the community together.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 11 Black women died in childbirth in Los Angeles County in 2023. This is a rate of 3.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is significantly higher than the rate for White women, which is 1.2 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Black women are less likely to have access to contraception than women of other races. In 2019, 49% of Black women had access to effective contraception, compared to 68% of White women. Black men and women are increasingly in need of assistance and support with the reproductive journey, maternal health, and breast health in an equitable way.
“For this and many other reasons, Black Women for Wellness is proud to bring The Annual Reproductive Justice Conference back to The California Endowment in Los Angeles for the 24th time. This year’s event will be more dynamic and interactive than ever before,” said a spokesperson.
The conference schedule will include tracks geared towards men, civic engagement, environmental justice, maternal health and youth. Also, artist Michelle Montgomery will present a special exhibit, The Mothers of Gynecology Monument.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit bwwwla.org or email Arnedra Jordan at [email protected].
