The challenges that we continue to experience this year have affirmed the belief there is so much more work to do to achieve racial justice and health equity in this nation and in our state. It is more important than ever to listen while Black women and girls explain what their communities and families need. African American and Black women in Indiana are disproportionality affected by negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
The World Health Organization defines sexual reproductive health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being concerning sexual attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and reproductive systems through all stages of life. There are startling disparities for Black women in the areas of sexual and reproductive health. Black women make up less than 5 percent of Indiana’s total population, however, in 2018 accounted for:
- Over one-third of all new chlamydia cases
- Nearly half of all new gonorrhea cases
- Approximately 43% of all syphilis cases
- Over half of all newly diagnosed AIDS cases
- Over 58% of all HIV cases
- 53.4 Black mothers die per 100,000 live births; compared to 41.4 white mothers
The factors that negatively impact the sexual and reproductive health of African American and Black women also increase the risks of experiencing sexual violence. To prevent these negative outcomes, we need to implement strategies that support the needs of Black women and girls and address the root causes of the inequities.
Where do we start when creating those strategies? We start by listening to Black women.
ICADV is embarking on a data collection project to hear from African-American and Black women and girls throughout the state, and we need your help to spread the word by sharing this survey.
If you live in Indiana and identify as a Black woman or girl, we ask that you take a few minutes out of your day to complete the survey. By sharing your experiences as a Black woman in Indiana, you can help address these challenges and disparities.
If you have a different racial and gender identity, please share it far and wide. We value the voices, wisdom, and lived experiences and want to hear from all Black or African American women and girls across the lifespan, gender spectrum, and around the state. It is important to us that everyone has an opportunity to tell their story.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY.
We know that some of you answering this survey will have personal experience with sexual and reproductive health challenges. National resources are provided below if you want to get more information or support, and you can also reach out to us if you would like to discuss your situation.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 TTY 800-787-3224 http://www.thehotline.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 TTY 800-799-4889
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 https://www.rainn.org/ *24/7 Live Chat*
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453 https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky Inc. 800-230-7526
