Storytelling, organizing and policy advocacy as a tool for supporting young pregnant and parenting Latinas

The U.S. cultural and political landscape often presents young motherhood as a public health problem to be prevented or solved. In this session, we discuss a current collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health to challenge advocacy and cultural frameworks that stigmatize young motherhood. The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and two activist/participants in Young Moms' Groups organized by the Latina Institute, one based in New York City and another in Holyoke, MA, will share best practices regarding their work aimed at shift policies from a prevention-only frame to a reproductive justice frame that includes comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care for Latina teens. Best practices discussed will include the formation of the Young Moms groups, storytelling, and the use of Photovoice and digital storytelling tools to elevate the conversation on young mothers in cultural and political rhetoric and as ways to build leadership capacity. Panelists will also discuss how these practices create networks of support and empowerment for young, pregnant teens and young mothers.