As a community-supported public awareness campaign, UnRestrict Minnesota is driven by the solidarity and leadership of its community partners. Together, these advocates, health care providers, lawyers, union members, artists, and concerned citizens are advancing every Minnesotan’s right to access abortion care in our state.
Since 1891, YWCA Minneapolis has dedicated itself to a mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. As a leader in the field of racial equity, they empower communities and workplaces to stand against racism, embrace new perspectives and promote justice for all people. As new coalition members of UnRestrict Minnesota, YWCA Minneapolis has brought a strong and powerful community voice to the work of protecting and expanding abortion access in Minnesota.
Q&A
Below, they share more about the deep connections between the missions of YWCA Minneapolis and the UnRestrict Minnesota coalition, the importance of reproductive freedom in their work to advance gender and racial equity, and their vision of a more just future for communities across our state—and beyond.
Could you tell us a little bit about your organization?
YWCA Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We provide a variety of programs and services, including early childhood education, youth development, health and wellness, and racial justice initiatives. Our mission is to advance gender and racial equity in the community by providing high-quality services and programs that promote social justice and create material change.
Why is this work important to take on in Minnesota?
Our work is important in Minnesota because our state, like many others, faces significant disparities in health outcomes, educational achievement, and economic opportunity based on race and gender. YWCA Minneapolis believes that promoting equity and addressing these disparities is key to laying the foundation for a better future — a future that is equitable, inclusive, and fosters belonging and wellbeing for all community members.
Why did you join the UnRestrict Minnesota coalition?
We joined the UnRestrict Minnesota coalition because we believe in the importance of reproductive freedom and access to healthcare for all people. Our mission to advance gender and racial equity is closely tied to the fight for reproductive justice, and we are proud to be part of a coalition that is working to ensure that everyone in Minnesota has the right to make their own healthcare decisions.
What is your vision for achieving full reproductive justice in Minnesota; or, what does achieving full reproductive justice in Minnesota mean to you?
Achieving full reproductive justice in Minnesota means ensuring that everyone has access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options, including abortion, contraception, and comprehensive sex education. It also means addressing the systemic barriers, such as poverty, lack of transportation, and discriminatory policies, that prevent many people, particularly those from marginalized communities, from accessing reproductive healthcare. Our vision is a world where everyone has the freedom and resources to make their own reproductive choices, and where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
How can people get engaged with your work?
There are many ways to get engaged with our work, including volunteering, making a donation, reading our blog or subscribing to our newsletters, and participating in our programs and events. Learn more at ywcampls.org.