Who We Are

Steel Valley Reproductive Freedom Coalition (“Steel Valley Repro”)

About

We are a group of progressive folks in and around Youngstown, Ohio. The coalition includes students, teachers, gig economy workers, professors, doctors, lawyers, retirees, parents, non-parents, and more. We have years of experience organizing for reproductive freedom and, after doing such actions under the banners of other organizations, we have decided that it was time to create a group specifically for this purpose here in the Steel Valley.

WHAT IS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE?

Reproductive justice is an intersectional concept that acknowledges that reproductive care is not just limited to health and is not one-size-fits-all. The term “reproductive justice” was created in 1994, as explained here by SisterSong. We aim to center the most marginalized by utilizing a reproductive justice framework.

Why “steel Valley” and NOT “yOUNGSTOWN”?

While Youngstown sits halfway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, we wanted to be clear that it is not meant to just be a Youngstown organization. We know it is often difficult for folks in the area surrounding Youngstown to get to actions/marches/rallies/trainings in Cleveland and Pittsburgh. “Steel Valley” aims to encompass this region and provide a place to take action that is not so far away.

We are proud to be part of the #ProtectChoiceOhio coalition!