Transportation is just part of the problem for colonia residents. Medical insurance is only a dream for many migrant workers, so women often go without regular checkups. Problems like breast and cervical cancer aren’t usually addressed until they’re far advanced. And where there are programs for women, such as free Pap tests, there are many of restrictions as to eligibility.
Still, with support from the Ms. Foundation, LVL is making great strides to improve women farmworkers’ access to reproductive health care. Félix and LVL have organized a network of migrant women who play a leading role in LVL’s advocacy. They’ve organized marches that have garnered significant press coverage, and as a result of their ever-more active role with LVL, they confidently express what they think and feel to hospital administrators, policymakers and the media. Félix and her promotoras see local leadership as key to advancing progressive change at all levels. Their current overarching goal is to use a combination of community organizing, leadership training and lobbying to persuade the Texas legislature to restore full funding for family planning and reproductive health services.
A powerful voice for reproductive justice, Executive Director of MHP Gayle Lawn-Day calls Félix, “a force of nature.” Her drive comes from her concern for others. “When Lucy comes she makes us laugh, she makes us cry, she makes us change,” says promotora Maria Trevino. “She gives her whole heart to the community.”
Where other people would say, “There aren’t enough resources,” she makes things happen. Lawn-Day says, “We use the term social justice, but it’s very hard to turn it into a reality. Lucy sees social justice as something that you live every day.”
Félix is particularly grateful to the Ms. Foundation. “It has taught me that women count for more than I had imagined. Its support has given us wings … so we can serve, with all our passion and all our love.”
