Liberation, Family Style: Latina Voters Lead the Fight for Our Freedoms

For Latino voters, conversations about abortion care and reproductive justice are a family matter.

Solidarity has always been at the heart of Latina and Chicana liberation movements. Its common thread connects the spirit of diversity of our community and unites us in the pursuit of a democracy in which all people and their families can lead safe, healthy and self-determined lives. This collective power lies in our ability to make our voices heard, especially in critical times.

In a postDobbs In fact, protecting access to abortion is not a matter of choice: it is critical to the health and well-being of our communities. Latinas are disproportionately affected by restrictive abortion laws, and as we approach the 2024 elections, our coalition is growing and crossing state lines. This is a proactive stance for our rights and freedoms.

Consider Florida, where the impact of a six-week abortion ban — one of the most restrictive in the country — was illustrated with statistics about its impact on Latinas in particular. Of course, this law has far-reaching consequences for many populations, and as Floridians prepare for a November ballot measure that will require 60 percent of the vote to repeal it, the urgency to act is palpable.

Meanwhile, voters in Colorado, where my work is focused, have the opportunity to advance reproductive rights by enshrining abortion access in the state constitution and overturning the state's funding ban, which disproportionately harms marginalized communities.

Since the repeal of roeThe burden of abortion bans falls heavily on people of color, particularly young people and immigrants. Access to abortion care doesn't just affect those who seek it – it also impacts families and communities that have historically faced systemic barriers to health care. The conversation about abortion care is a family matter that requires open dialogue and understanding.

Protecting access to abortion is not only a matter of rights, but also a central issue of democracy itself.

As men of color find their side in the fight for abortion and recent poll results show that most Latinos support abortion access, families can continue to foster an understanding of the importance of reproductive freedom. These conversations help reduce stigma, promote empathy, and foster a culture of respect for one's choices.

Protecting access to abortion is not just a matter of rights, but also a central issue of democracy itself. Our democratic power is manifested in the impact of our mobilization around important human rights issues, particularly the financial concerns of working families. Economic issues remain a top priority for voters and include measures on affordable housing, transportation and access to health care. Reproductive justice is clearly linked; All people, regardless of their financial situation or insurance coverage, deserve access to the health care they need.

Since 2020, the importance of the Latino community as a mobilizing force in elections has been undeniable. Despite the perception of a shift to the right, we played a crucial role in achieving significant victories. Recent policy successes in Colorado include housing, gun reform, tax policy, and transportation and education funding. The choice of Dr. Yadira Caraveo, the first Latina to serve in Congress in the newly created (38.5 percent Latino) Congressional District 8, is also an example of this growing influence.

In September, an annual nonpartisan poll called the Colorado Latino Policy Agenda found that more than 60 percent of respondents support protecting access to abortion care. This finding is critically important, but raises the question: Why are communities of color in Latino and African American neighborhoods, LGBTQ+ voters, and voters with disabilities so often treated as an afterthought in the political ecosystem?

In the past, our constituencies have only been engaged at the last minute, just moments before significant cultural celebrations and the November election. This space-buffering pattern of engagement reflects the need for lasting, meaningful relationships rather than opportunistic gestures.

The path to liberation will be paved by our collective actions, and together we will ensure that our rights are recognized, respected and upheld. This certainly includes not only recognizing the unwavering support of Latino voters, particularly in their advocacy for reproductive justice, but also actively working with us. This is the only way a truly democratic agenda will prevail.

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