National Institute for Reproductive Health

1. Local programs: in 2007, amid years of setbacks to Reproductive Health and rights on the state and federal levels, the National Institute launched a new initiative to support proactive, local-level advocacy. This strategy presented, and still presents today, an exciting opportunity to move beyond defense to develop and implement Reproductive Health policies that improve and expand access to vital services. Even in the most conservative states, we recognized that dynamic and supportive local leaders may operate in a political climate that makes their localities progressive pockets of possibility. The National Institute, understanding that such leaders already possess valuable regional knowledge and networks, provides the funding, technical assistance, and strategic support they need to develop program service accomplishments: innovative and bold strategies that serve their community and build proactive momentum that reverberates beyond the county line. Since the initiative's launch, we have supported advocates and elected officials in addressing the issues that impact their communities the most, including comprehensive sex education and teen-friendly Reproductive Health care, the deceptive practices of crisis pregnancy centers, public funding for abortion, Reproductive justice for incarcerated women, safe access to abortion clinics for patients, volunteers, and staff, and more.in 2022, through its partnership programs at the local level, the National Institute focused on: securing municipal funding for abortion care and/or practical supporta signature nirh initiativein atlanta, austin, columbus, cuyahoga county (oh), hennepin county (mn), los angeles, minneapolis, new york, and st. louis. Resolutions or executive orders in atlanta, austin, chicago, denton (tx), memphis, minneapolis, and new orleans saying they will not cooperate with investigations and/or prosecutions of abortion or urging law enforcement officials not to investigate or prosecute doctors. The launch of a new york city public education campaign against and formal review of anti-abortion pregnancy centers, as well as passage of a measure requiring nyc department of Health and mental hygiene facilities to offer medication abortions and the hiring of the first patient navigator specifically for abortion care at public hospitals.

2. State programs: the National Institute has worked with statewide organizations since its founding, but on the 40th anniversary of roe v. wade in 2013, we formalized that work by launching a long-term initiative to secure Reproductive rights and Health in the states. With an eye toward building traction in states that have been generally hostile to choice, as well as leveraging the opportunities in more progressive states, this initiative is creating a groundswell of support to turn the tide on access to abortion. With our partners in strategic states across the country, we work to build and mobilize the grassroots as advocates for Reproductive Health and rights, engage policymakers, change the public dialogue on Reproductive rights, and alter public policy to increase access to Reproductive Health care, program service accomplishments: including abortion. The National Institute provides space for partners working on similar initiatives to share resources and best practices and offers access to our extensive network of advocates, officials, and allied National organizations spanning a broad range of expertise. We have supported advocates and elected officials in such important work as creating comprehensive policy agendas that support the full spectrum of Reproductive and maternal Health, including abortion, developing policies and other initiatives to increase access to Reproductive Health care, including a specific focus on underutilized forms of contraception, engaging in creative and bold defense against anti-choice bills, and supporting proactive policy on abortion.in 2022, through its partnership programs at the state level, the National Institute focused on protecting and expanding access to abortion care, strengthening advocacy by independent abortion providers, securing access to confidential family planning services, and increasing access to long-acting reversible contraception (larc). As it did so, it sought to advance a proactive abortion rights vision, engage a new and broad base of supporters, and reduce shame and stigma by publicly promoting the affirmative value of abortion in women's lives. In 2022, nirh focused its efforts on increasing patient-centered access to contraception, especially long-acting reversible contraception in four states (Massachusetts, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin). In Arizona, Maryland, new york, and Wisconsin, nirh advanced a vision of birthing justice, with a focus on addressing racial injustice and Health inequities.