Hi, I'm Dr. DeShawn Taylor
I equip advocate-minded individuals to effectively speak about abortion, organize around abortion and intersecting issues, and advance policies to improve access to care. Using transformational learning principles we examine dominant societal narratives around abortion, acquiring new knowledge, critically reflecting on values that have been assimilated over time, yet never interrogated, building competence with new language to accompany a shift in values, and implementation of these new perspectives into your advocacy work.
Reconfiguring your thinking can be challenging. I am here to guide you through a process that will not only further your own activism. It can be the beginning of healing our very broken and divisive world.
From Personal Struggle to Community Empowerment
After listening to the oral arguments for the Supreme Court Case that challenged and overturned Roe v Wade, I was convinced of the outcome that we ultimately experienced with the final decision in June 2022. I began writing Undue Burden a couple of months before the leaked draft of the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, and Health Justice MD was formed after finishing my book. Writing Undue Burden helped me decide the next phase of my life in the midst of these daunting times. With great intention, I am leveraging over two decades of abortion and community based reproductive health and gender affirming care experience, along with local, state, and national advocacy experience to help organizations apply a justice lens to new and emerging commitments for reproductive health and rights in the wake of the loss of the federal protection that Roe v Wade gave us for nearly 50 years.
Foremost Reproductive Justice Author and Advocate in Phoenix
I am a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Complex Family Planning Specialist by training. Since performing my first abortion as an intern, I have been passionate about fighting for people who seek abortions and those who provide them. Through countless experiences of providing abortion care for over two decades, I became keenly aware of the obstacles that marginalized communities faced accessing abortion care. A new understanding bloomed in my consciousness, and that is, we must fight for access to abortion via the framework of reproductive justice.
Health Justice MD was founded at the intersection of my clinical work and social activism. I bring my teaching and research skills, relational skills, knowledge, expertise, and leadership to help organizations through a paradigm shift to move beyond today's challenges.
Empowering Individuals and Organizations to Build a Better World
Do you envision a world where people are free to decide how to care for their own bodies, if, when, and how to have children and raise families? Let's work together. Recognized locally and nationally for my advocacy and leadership, my mission is to equip you to more effectively SPEAK about abortion, ORGANIZE around abortion and intersecting issues, and ADVANCE POLICIES to improve access to care.
Maricopa County NAACP Trailblazer Award
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National Institute for Reproductive Health Champion of Choice Award
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National Organization for Women Karen Clark Award
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Health 2.0 Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Award
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Physicians for Reproductive Health Rashbaum Leadership Award
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Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona Advocate of the Year
Maricopa County NAACP Trailblazer Award 〰️ National Institute for Reproductive Health Champion of Choice Award 〰️ National Organization for Women Karen Clark Award 〰️ Health 2.0 Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Award 〰️ Physicians for Reproductive Health Rashbaum Leadership Award 〰️ Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona Advocate of the Year
Dr. DeShawn Taylor discusses how to move beyond the “choice” narrative.