Birthing Justice: Uplifting Undocumented Mothers in San Antonio, Texas

In the face of adversity, resilience shines through. The Birth Justice Fund, formerly the Empowerment Fund, stands as a beacon of hope for undocumented pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women in our community. Their journey is one of determination and strength but also marked by systemic barriers that can seem insurmountable.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sueños Sin Fronteras de Tejas' (SSFTX) mutual aid fund has been a lifeline for undocumented community members in San Antonio facing poverty, housing insecurity, food scarcity, and barriers to accessing healthcare and public benefits. 

From 2020 to 2024, SSFTX has redistributed $195,900 in diapers, reproductive and perinatal health supplies, groceries, clothing, and cell phone bill assistance to undocumented women and families in San Antonio.

The challenges faced by undocumented communities in Texas have only become more complex in the aftermath of the pandemic. Anti-immigrant legislation, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the subsequent total abortion ban in the state have compounded the existing vulnerabilities, leaving undocumented women and families at a heightened risk of discrimination, oppression, and criminalization.

The Birth Justice Fund is a grassroots initiative, created by the people, not the government. It stands as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of our community, providing a lifeline for undocumented pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women, especially those affected by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Bexar County.

Who We Are

Mission: Founded in 2018, Sueños Sin Fronteras de Tejas (SSFTX) is a Latina-led collective that aims to improve pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes for undocumented people in San Antonio, Texas, through direct support, education, and advocacy.

Vision: SSFTX envisions communities where undocumented birthing people feel cared for and prepared to self-advocate, and the resources they need to holistically support themselves and their families not only exist but are equitably accessible.

Goals: 

• Promote perinatal holistic health through accompaniment and access to community resources. 
• Co-create community spaces where people can build relationships, experience joy, and exchange knowledge that supports their autonomy and self-determination.
• Collaborate on advocacy initiatives that directly address the unique needs, challenges, and lived experiences of undocumented families with a focus on promoting equitable and dignified care and drive systemic change.