We believe that affordable and high-quality health care should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their gender identity, immigration status, income, location, or race. The Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts Raíz program works to eliminate barriers to sexual and reproductive health care in Latinx communities and strives to build a movement for equity, justice, knowledge, and empowerment.

Raíz means "root" in Spanish, so the program has a strong grassroots foundation. It empowers members to become unapologetic leaders and vocal champions who build strong partnerships with local Latinx communities to improve health care access and destigmatize sexual health.

The program is led by Latinx people and is dedicated to serving the needs of Latinx people. "Latinx" is a gender-inclusive and non-binary term used to describe the people Raíz serves by building power among everyone in the Latino/a/x community, regardless of gender. Raíz organizers and volunteers also have deep ties to the communities they serve and are uniquely positioned to address the prevailing issues.

What are Raíz’s objectives in Massachusetts?

Raíz's objectives in Massachusetts are intersectional and include supporting and empowering Latinx people, some of whom are members of the immigrant and undocumented community. The goal is to improve access and combat stigma around sexual and reproductive health and rights, promote the adoption of inclusive and age-appropriate sex and relationship education in Massachusetts public schools, advocate for bills that further immigrant rights and affordable health care for all individuals, and much more.

How can I take action?

• Bust abortion stigma by learning about the prevalence of stigma around sexual and reproductive health and rights and commit to holding stigma-busting conversations with friends, family, and community members.
• Take action to encourage the adoption of comprehensive sex and relationship education in Massachusetts public schools.
• Advocate for bills that will reduce health disparities in the Latinx community and improve access to care for all.
• Host Cafecitos, which are welcoming and familial spaces where Latinx groups can have honest, intentional, and meaningful dialogues on sexual and reproductive health and rights, abortion stigma, and other topics impacting the Latinx community.
• Engage Raíz organizers to support your organization’s community events, actions, rallies, phone banks, canvasses, and more.
• If you are a college student or organization, ask Raíz organizers to table at your events to discuss our work or enlist our help to organize your own repro-themed events.