Advocacy & Policy

Welcome to the Black Women's Health Imperative (Imperative) Policy and Advocacy homepage. Since 1983, the Imperative has been a leading voice in the formation of policies, regulations and standards related to improving health outcomes and achieving health equity for Black women. We have been and continue to be foremost in documenting and examining the enormous health disparities that exist for Black women and in advancing policy and advocacy efforts focused on actionable steps for eliminating the undue health burdens Black women face.Operating within a reproductive justice framework, our work underscores how inequalities and complexities in Black women’s lives profoundly impact reproductive choices, rights and health care decision-making. Black women, their lived experiences and the conditions and systems that impinge on their reproductive autonomy are at the forefront of the Imperative’s action- and movement-building strategies.

Since our inception, we have seen many advances that have supported our efforts to improve health outcomes for Black women – most recently in 2010, which was a pivotal year with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  ACA has the potential impact of broadening Black women's access to affordable health care and lifting barriers that previously limited our choices in how we received coverage and care. The Imperative is closely monitoring the ongoing implementation of the ACA and other state and congressional actions to ensure that Black women's health needs are being addressed and met.

Our overall goal is to elevate Black women’s health and well-being – advocating for policies that protect Black women’s human rights and support their personal healthcare choices. The Imperative’s policy and advocacy team actively monitors, responds to and formulates national and state policies to help shape and guide issues that are of concern to Black women, especially regarding: reproductive health (including contraception and abortion), diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cervical and breast cancer, relationship violence and sexual assault and maternal health. 

Please bookmark this page so that we may share with you the latest policy news and how the Imperative is working to advance and ensure the best health outcomes for Black women.  

We invite you to join us in advocating and standing up for Black women’s health.