If you can, imagine the many healthcare needs women have based purely on their biology. In our lifetime as women, we deal with menstrual cycles, many of will encounter pregnancy and birth, then later menopause, and so on. We reach stages in our lives where we are need to have gynecological check-ups, mammograms and pap smears. These are not rare or extreme situations; these are average health care experiences that come with being a woman. Moreover, these needs do not change once a woman is incarcerated. The difference is that incarcerated women depend on the state to provide them with the adequate health care and the state is not only responsible for, but is required to fulfill those needs^[1].

Late last year, I began my work with Lift Louisiana as a legal research associate to conduct research and analyze policies related to healthcare access for incarcerated women, including the use of restraints (or shackles) on pregnant inmates.

02.01.17 - (PRESS RELEASE) Last Night, the President announced Neil Gorsuch as his nominee for Supreme Court Justice. Gorsuch is a conservative judge who has a track record of deciding against civil liberties and women’s rights.

by Geraldine Neville

On January 21st, along with millions, for many reasons, I marched. I marched because having lost my mother too early to cervical cancer, I know too well the importance of access to preventive and reproductive health care services. As a Louisiana resident, I’ve witnessed the effects of poor public health policy on our communities. As a first generation, Latin American, born of formerly undocumented parents, I understand that born a generation or two later, I too might be considered an “anchor baby” by some. I marched in solidarity with my LGBTQ friends, all people of color and because climate change is a scientifically proven fact.

So now what? After the signs are recycled and the pink pussy hats are tossed in a drawer, forgotten until they pair well with an early Mardi Gras costume, how does a march become a movement?

Lift Louisiana is a proud partner of a National Day of Racial Healing, led by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), with the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies, the Foundation for Louisiana and Ashe Cultural Arts Center.

Individuals, organizations and communities across the United States will participate in activities, events and actions to heal the wounds created by racial, ethnic and religious bias and build an equitable and just society so that all children can thrive.