As a Black woman, I believe in choice. I believe women should have control over their bodies. But I also believe we need to be honest: Black women’s relationship with Planned Parenthood is complicated.
Planned Parenthood has helped women—especially us—when the traditional medical system wouldn’t. From birth control to reproductive care, it’s been a lifeline. But we can’t ignore its roots.
The organization’s founder, Margaret Sanger, supported eugenics—a racist belief system about who should reproduce. That history, along with past forced sterilizations, still lingers. It’s why many Black women carry deep mistrust, even when we use those services.
Being pro-choice doesn’t mean being blind. It doesn’t mean we celebrate abortion or ignore trauma. It means we want the right to choose with dignity, support, and healing—not pressure or silence.
We deserve full care, full truth, and full respect.
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