This semester I have had the opportunity to intern for Lift Louisiana. Lift Louisiana’s mission is to: To educate, advocate, and litigate for policy changes needed to improve the health and well-being of Louisiana’s women, their families, and their communities. Since interning for Lift, I have noticed that their approach is a combination of focusing on reproductive rights and reproductive justice. Michelle Erenberg, the Executive Director, understands the advocacy for the access to proper and equitable reproductive healthcare is not possible without having a racial and reproductive justice lens. Because of this, Lift has an external committee, the Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee, that consults and provides insight to ensure the practices and actions of Lift are aligned with the needs of the community, city, and state. Click here to learn more about Lift’s Racial Equity Statement.
During these past few weeks, Lift Louisiana has been prepping for New Orleans Rally for #MyRightMyDecision, which was to follow the oral arguments for June Medical v. Russo at the U.S. Supreme Court. The preparation for the rally and for support for the oral arguments showed me how Lift builds an extensive network for their causes. Michelle Erenberg reached out to organizations from the city, various parts of the state, and the national organizations. This experience showed me that activism and advocacy cannot just occur in a microcosm, but requires the support and investment from everyone.
Medical students, ACLU representatives, public health professionals, grassroot organizers, and professors attended the rally. It was a collective of individuals who understood the significance of working against systems that do not want women to have access to reproductive healthcare nor have autonomy over their bodies. As a senior, this rally was eye-opening. It reinforced that in any career I can invest myself into advocating for reproductive justice and reproductive rights. I am grateful to work under Lift Louisiana and in community that is doing whatever it ta kes to uplift and support women.