The Importance of Prop 1 (Equal Rights Amendment) for Latinx Communities  

Hola Planned Parenthood Supporters, 

My name is Ruth Andrade Vidal, and I am the Mid-Hudson Raíz Community Organizer here at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. Sept 15th kicks of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month and concludes on Oct. 15th. As a proud Mexican Latina, Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time for me as we celebrate and honor the beauty and uniqueness that make up the Latinx and Hispanic community. 

Did you know that the Latinx population is the largest ethnic or racial minority group in the U.S.? And it’s growing! When it comes to acquiring accessible and dignified sexual and reproductive health care, I have seen firsthand the unique challenges our communities can face. Language barriers can make it tough to access care, while cultural stigmas often silence conversations about reproductive health. Plus, the lack of representation can lead to cultural insensitivity, mistrust, inadequate services, limited education, and exacerbated health disparities—all of which discourage individuals from seeking the care they need.  

The principles of reproductive justice—ensuring that every individual has the right to access comprehensive health care, make autonomous decisions about their bodies, and live with dignity— are crucial because they address not just access to care but also the broader context of equality and respect that everyone deserves. These principles are particularly relevant in the context of Proposal 1, the New York State Equal Rights Amendment, which seeks to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal rights for all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or background. Prop 1 is essential for the Latinx and Hispanic community as it addresses systemic discrimination by improving access to education, health care, and economic opportunities, ultimately fostering long-term equity and empowerment for all individuals.

Through the Raíz program, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Action Fund is tackling these issues head-on with culturally sensitive services, education and advocacy. Raíz is about more than just health. It’s about justice, knowledge, and power. This program is an integral part of giving people of color resources for their health, while also recognizing that humans are not one-issue individuals. This Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, let us celebrate our resilience and work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, or immigration status can access the care they need and deserve. 

To get involved with PPGNYAF’s Prop 1 campaign, click here!  

In solidarity,
Ruth Andrade Vidal