Your body. Your life. Your future.
Bodily autonomy means every person has the right to make decisions about their own body, health, and family—without interference, shame, or fear. It is a core human right and a cornerstone of freedom.
In Appalachia, that right is under attack.
From restrictions on reproductive health care to barriers created by poverty, geography, and politics, too many people in our region are being denied the ability to make their own choices. A.R.I.S.E. Appalachia exists to change that.
Why Bodily Autonomy Matters in Appalachia
Our communities face unique challenges:
Fewer health care providers and clinics
Long travel distances for care
Higher rates of poverty and uninsured residents
Increasing state-level attacks on reproductive health
These barriers fall hardest on rural families, young people, people of color, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ folks. When bodily autonomy is stripped away, it doesn’t just affect individuals—it destabilizes families and entire communities.
We believe no one should have to cross state lines, go into debt, or risk their safety to get the care they need.
What We Stand For
A.R.I.S.E. Appalachia fights for:
Access to comprehensive reproductive health care
The right to choose if, when, and how to have children
Protection from government intrusion into personal medical decisions
Accurate, stigma-free health education
Care that is inclusive of all genders, identities, and families
We believe health care is a right—not a privilege.
How We Take Action
We don’t just talk about bodily autonomy—we organize for it.
Our work includes:
Partnering with Planned Parenthood and allied providers to support education and access
Mobilizing our community when harmful bills are introduced
Training volunteers to phone bank, canvass, and share accurate information
Helping people understand their rights and how to get care
Showing up at the statehouse, in city halls, and in our communities
When one person’s autonomy is threatened, we show up together.
How We Take Action
Laws and policies are constantly changing. Visit our Bill Tracker to see what legislation is moving right now and how it could impact bodily autonomy in Tennessee and across Appalachia.
You’ll find:
Plain-language bill summaries
Our position on each bill
Simple ways to take action
Get Support & Get Involved
If you or someone you love needs care, information, or support, visit our Community Resources page or reach out to us directly through the email icon below.
If you’re ready to stand up for bodily autonomy:
Join an upcoming event
Volunteer with A.R.I.S.E.
Sign up for action alerts
Talk to your neighbors
Together, we are building an Appalachia where everyone has the freedom to make decisions about their own body, their own family, and their own future.