Our Key Issues

At Central Minnesota Women Rising, we focus on the real, lived needs of our communities—especially those who are too often ignored or silenced. Our work is guided by the belief that true equity means addressing the root causes of injustice across all areas of life. From reproductive freedom to economic justice, we fight for policies and systems that uplift all women and gender-expansive people. 

These are the issues we’re rising for:

🩸 Reproductive Justice & Abortion Access

We believe every person has the right to make decisions about their own body, free from coercion, judgment, or political interference. Reproductive justice means more than just legal access to abortion—it means the power to choose if, when, and how to have children, and the right to raise those children in safe, supported communities. We fight for accessible, affordable, stigma-free abortion care and for the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare, especially for those historically denied access—BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, low-income families, and rural communities.

❤️ Women’s Health & Safety

Health and safety are human rights—not privileges. We fight for equitable access to healthcare and for the right to live without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Whether it’s surviving domestic abuse, accessing gender-affirming care, or navigating public spaces while caring for ourselves and our families, we believe every woman and gender-expansive person deserves to feel safe—in their body, their choices, and their daily lives.

🚫 Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC) Misinformation

Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) often present themselves as health clinics—but in reality, they exist to spread anti-abortion propaganda and delay access to real medical care. These centers frequently use deception, shame, and coercion to block people from getting the support they need. We’re committed to exposing the harmful practices of CPCs, educating our communities about the difference between real clinics and fake ones, and protecting access to evidence-based reproductive care.

💰 Economic Equity

Economic justice is gender justice. We advocate for policies and practices that close gender and racial wealth gaps, ensure fair wages, expand workplace protections, and create economic systems that support—not punish—care work. We believe in universal paid leave, pay transparency, affordable healthcare, and guaranteed access to housing and food. Our vision is a world where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can thrive economically and with dignity.

🧸 Parenting & Childcare

We believe parenting should be supported, not punished. Whether it’s access to affordable childcare, paid family leave, or community-based support systems, families deserve real choices—not impossible trade-offs. We advocate for public investment in accessible, quality childcare, protections for caregivers, and policies that honor the labor of parenting. Supporting families—especially single parents, low-income households, and queer and trans parents—is essential to building a just and thriving Minnesota.