As we mark three years since the US Supreme Court ruling Dobbs by Jackson Women’s Health Organizationuptake Roe v. Wade And eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, the court issued a series of new decisions that further influence the health, rights and representation of black women, our families and our communities.
❌ A blow to reproductive justice – Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
In a 6-3 ruling on June 26, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that patients with Medicaid cannot sue states to exclude providers such as Planned Parenthood from Medicaid programs, even when looking for non-abortion services such as cancer screenings and birth control.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, with her disagreement, emphasized the personal impact of this decision, stating that “it will strip these southern Carolines – and countless other Medicaid recipients across the country – a deep personal freedom: the ability to decide us with us.” ReproductionFreedomForall.org
This decision determines a previous one, perhaps allowing other states to weaken key healthcare providers, thereby limiting access to critical services for low -income people.
BWHI has joined numerous organizations to sign a strong letter to Congress, urging legislators to reject Medicaid’s proposed cuts that would be devastating to women and families across the country. For black women and girls, Medicaid is a salvation. It ensures access to prenatal visits, mental health care, cancer screenings and much more. It helps us to stay healthy, take care of our families and build stronger future. But right now, this salvation is threatened.
Together with our partners, we call on legislators to protect and enhance the programs themselves that allow inadequate communities to survive, heal and thrive. We are proud to use our voice to make sure it sounds that the message is heard. Learn more about the decision here.
❌ LGBTQ+ inclusion – Mothers for Liberty v. Montgomery County Board of Education
On June 27, 2025, the court fell with the parents in Maryland, who tried to choose their children from public school courses with LGBTQ+ books without exclusion, referring to religious objections. the74million.org+3them.us+3apnews.com+3
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her disagreement, warned that this decision could undermine the role of public education in promoting participation and respect for diversity. nypost.com+3apnews.com+3them.us+3
This decision may encourage similar challenges across the country, possibly leading to increased censorship and marginalization of LGBTQ+ narratives in educational environments.
✅ A victory for preventive care – Braidwood Management Inc. by Becerra
In a positive development, the Supreme Court has confirmed the order of the law on affordable care that requires insurance plans to cover costs at no cost.
This decision ensures ongoing access to basic services such as contraception, cancer projections and Sti tests, which are vital to the health and well -being of black women and our communities.
What can you do
The Supreme Court may have the final say in court, but we have power in the community. Here’s how to take action against these decisions:
- Stay up to date. Understand how these decisions affect your rights – from reproductive care to preventive health and training without exclusion – and share reliable information with your circle.
- Support of front -line organizations. Back groups such as With our own voice: National Women’s Women’s Reproductive Justice Agendathat has just released their powerful 2025 Political Policy Agenda of Black Reproductive Justice-Parallel for equality, care and dignity.
- Start the conversations. Help break the silence around reproductive health, LGBTQ+ integration and systems that affect our lives.
- Vote on purpose. State and local elections are shaping our access to health care, school curricula and basic protections. Display – and bring others with you.
In BWHI, we remain firm in our commitment to support health equality, reproductive justice and without exclusion. These recent decisions emphasize the ongoing challenges we face, but also enhance the importance of our collective efforts to protect and promote the rights and well -being of black women and our families.
