Breaking Barriers Council

Reproductive freedom is the ability of all people to have the legal rights and equitable access to resources to make the best decisions for themselves – whether that means continuing a pregnancy, seeking adoption, or accessing abortion care.

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The Breaking Barriers Council is a group of experts and advocates from around Kentucky working to reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant health and improve outcomes for all Kentuckians.

BBC Members

Breaking Barriers includes birth workers seeking reproductive justice in Louisville's West End, doulas in Appalachia, physicians, other advocacy organizations, and people who have personally experienced the challenges facing pregnant Kentuckians and their families.

WATCH: ABOUT THE BREAKING BARRIERS COUNCIL

Together, we are learning from those most affected by these issues so we can work together with a unified strategy to:

  • reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality
  • restore and expand access to abortion care
  • expand pre-K and paid leave so no parent is forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for their child
  • reduce instances of sexual assault and domestic violence
  • connect survivors of violence to therapists, counselors, and other support programs
  • ensure all families have a home in Kentucky, whether they have one parent, two moms, or no moms
  • provide young people with age-appropriate, comprehensive, and inclusive education about sex, sexuality, relationships

If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved with the Breaking Barriers Council, email Senior Policy Strategist Jackie McGranahan at [email protected].

The Latest

Event | In-person
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2023 Reproductive Freedom Project Benefit

Join us as we gather with our partners, volunteers, and donors who tirelessly defend Kentuckians’ right to reproductive freedom.
Oct 27, 2023 | 5:00 PM
News & Commentary
Katima holds her son, Mylo, as Mylo points to the camera and Katima kisses his forehead.

Breaking Barriers Council: Katima's Story

For national Black Maternal Health Week, April 11 - 17, we're highlighting the Black maternal health crisis in Kentucky and beyond, and uplifting the work of Black birth workers in the commonwealth. For more information, visit: https://blackmamasmatter.org/2023-black-maternal-health-week/.
Press Release
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Kentucky Court Blocks Abortion Bans

Victory! A Kentucky court has blocked the state's total and six-week abortion bans.
Issue Areas: Abortion Access, Reproductive Freedom Project
Press Release
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ACLU, Others Sue for Right to Abortion Under Kentucky State Constitution

We're suing in state court to secure your right to access abortion under the rights to privacy and bodily autonomy outlined in sections 1 and 2 of the Kentucky Constitution.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom Project, Abortion Access