Why I’m Still Fighting for Reproductive Justice in Wisconsin

DeAnna Tharpe and advocates at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin rally.

As a birth worker deeply rooted in Wisconsin reproductive health, I’ve spent years witnessing both the joys and challenges that come with supporting pregnant families. But today, I’m writing from a place of concern and urgency. Recently, a new piece of reproductive health legislation was passed that threatens to strip essential services from people who depend on Planned Parenthood Wisconsin and other critical healthcare providers.

This isn’t just political news—it’s personal. The consequences of these decisions ripple far beyond the clinic doors. Without Planned Parenthood and similar organizations, many people may simply go without care altogether. I fear that families who lose access to reproductive services will be forced to seek help in emergency rooms, where staff are already overwhelmed and burnt out. This isn’t a sustainable solution—it’s a crisis in the making.

Maternal health disparities are real and growing. As a Black woman and a maternal health advocate, I know firsthand how deeply Black maternal health is impacted by policy choices. For Black and Brown communities, barriers to healthcare access in Wisconsin are already high. When resources like reproductive rights services are cut, it increases the risk of poor health outcomes for mothers and babies alike.

My journey as a doula trainer in Wisconsin has shown me how essential it is for birthing people to have support systems that honor their autonomy, culture, and dignity. Doulas are not just birth coaches; they are educators, advocates, and sometimes the only familiar face in a hospital room. Their work is about closing gaps and ensuring that maternal healthcare is compassionate, equitable, and informed.

That’s why I believe reproductive justice must be central to any conversation about birth work. It’s not just about the right to have a baby or not—it’s about the right to safe, accessible, and respectful care throughout the reproductive journey. As a Black maternal health advocate, midwife in training, and doula trainer, I refuse to stay silent while families are left to navigate these changes alone.

If Planned Parenthood is forced to close clinics or reduce services, the ripple effect will devastate communities across Wisconsin. We will see increased healthcare disparities, overburdened hospitals, and families making impossible decisions about their care.

My call to action is this: Wisconsin families and allies, stay informed. Understand that your healthcare access is at stake. Reach out to your district legislators and demand that they protect reproductive rights and maternal health services. Join the conversation and use your voice, because the future of birth equity and community health depends on it.

I may no longer be practicing as a doula, but my passion for birth work has only grown. As a doula trainer, midwife in training, and maternal health advocate, I am committed to educating, advocating, and elevating the conversation around reproductive justice in Wisconsin. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the care, respect, and support they deserve.

— DeAnna Tharpe