# data[].attributes.body
A photo demonstrating how abortion is a form of health care, and health care for all is a human right.

# data[].attributes.body
There is no reproductive health without the most elementary principle of sexual communication: Consent. This video simplifies giving or taking back consent to a cup of tea.

# data[].attributes.body
This video discusses how young people need information about their reproductive organs, sexual rights and needs, as well as the intersectionality regarding abortion complications and choice for women on a global scale.

# data[].attributes.body
44 minute documentary about Roe v Wade

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The A-Word | An Independent TV Documentary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The A-Word | An Independent TV Documentary. Source: Original

# data[].attributes.body
This video speaks about the different methods of contraception, including the pros and cons of hormonal vs. non-hormonal and short-lasting vs. long-lasting contraceptives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Methods of Contraception Made Easy (Contraceptive Methods Explained)

# data[].attributes.body
This video discusses the taboo surrounding Sexuality Education, and how it should be broadened. Providing information about bodily rights, contraceptives, family planning and abortion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sexual Reproductive Health Rights  | Melodi Tamarzians | TEDxYouth@Maastricht

# data[].attributes.body
A infographic examining and discussing facts and information about reproductive health with a focus on women with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.body
Sister Song is a collective from the southern US that focuses on reproductive justice for women of colour and trans persons. This collective started out as a need for intersectionality amidst these conversations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Reproductive Justice?

SisterSong defines Reproductive Justice as the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.

The Herstory of Reproductive Justice (RJ)

Indigenous women, women of color, and trans* people have always fought for Reproductive Justice, but the term was invented in 1994. Right before attending the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, where the entire world agreed that the individual right to plan your own family must be central to global development, a group of black women gathered in Chicago in June of 1994. They recognized that the women's rights movement, led by and representing middle class and wealthy white women, could not defend the needs of women of color and other marginalized women and trans* people. We needed to lead our own national movement to uplift the needs of the most marginalized women, families, and communities.

These women named themselves Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice, and RJ was born. Rooted in the internationally-accepted human rights framework created by the United Nations, Reproductive Justice combines reproductive rights and social justice. The progenitors of RJ launched the movement by publishing a historic full-page statement with 800+ signatures in The Washington Post and Roll Call. Just three years later, in 1997, SisterSong was formed to create a national, multi-ethnic RJ movement.

We believe that Reproductive Justice is...

A human right. RJ is based on the United Nations' internationally-accepted Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a comprehensive body of law that details the rights of individuals and the responsibilities of government to protect those rights.

About access, not choice. Mainstream movements have focused on keeping abortion legal as an individual choice. That is necessary, but not enough. Even when abortion is legal, many women of color cannot afford it, or cannot travel hundreds of miles to the nearest clinic. There is no choice where there is no access.

Not just about abortion. Abortion access is critical, and women of color and other marginalized women also often have difficulty accessing: contraception, comprehensive sex education, STI prevention and care, alternative birth options, adequate prenatal and pregnancy care, domestic violence assistance, adequate wages to support our families, safe homes, and so much more.

To achieve Reproductive Justice, we must...

Analyze power systems. Reproductive politics in the US is based on gendered, sexualized, and racialized acts of dominance that occur on a daily basis. RJ works to understand and eradicate these nuanced dynamics.

Address intersecting oppressions. Audre Lorde said, "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives." Marginalized women face multiple oppressions and we can only win freedom by addressing how they impact one another.

Center the most marginalized. Our society will not be free until the most vulnerable people are able to access the resources and full human rights to live self-determined lives without fear, discrimination, or retaliation.

Join together across issues and identities. All oppressions impact our reproductive lives; RJ is simply human rights seen through the lens of the nuanced ways oppression impacts self-determined family creation. The intersectionality of RJ is both an opportunity and a call to come together as one movement with the power to win freedom for all oppressed people.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SisterSong defines Reproductive Justice as the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities. Indigenous women, women of color, and trans* people have always fought for Reproductive Justice, but the term was invented in 1994.

# data[].attributes.body
An organizations that advocated for young women, transgender, and gender non-conforming persons whose voices are not heard or advocated in the reproductive health space.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Reproductive Justice is the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, social, and economic well-being of women and girls, based on the full achievement and protection of women's human rights. This definition as outlined by Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice (ACRJ) offers a new perspective on reproductive issues advocacy, pointing out that for Indigenous women and women of color it is important to fight equally for (1) the right to have a child; (2) the right not to have a child; and (3) the right to parent the children we have, as well as to control our birthing options, such as midwifery. We also fight for the necessary enabling conditions to realize these rights. This is in contrast to the singular focus on abortion by the pro-choice movement that excludes other social justice movements.

The Reproductive Justice framework analyzes how the ability of any woman to determine her own reproductive destiny is linked directly to the conditions in her community-and these conditions are not just a matter of individual choice and access. Reproductive Justice addresses the social reality of inequality, specifically, the inequality of opportunities that we have to control our reproductive destiny. Moving beyond a demand for privacy and respect for individual decision making to include the social supports necessary for our individual decisions to be optimally realized, this framework also includes obligations from our government for protecting women's human rights. Our options for making choices have to be safe, affordable and accessible, three minimal cornerstones of government support for all individual life decisions.

One of the key problems addressed by Reproductive Justice is the isolation of abortion from other social justice issues that concern communities of color. Because reproductive oppression affects women's lives in multiple ways, a multi-pronged approach is needed to fight this exploitation and advance the well-being of women and girls. There are three main frameworks for fighting reproductive oppression defined by ACRJ:

1. Reproductive Health, which deals with service delivery

2. Reproductive Rights, which addresses legal issues, and

3. Reproductive Justice, which focuses on movement building.

Although these frameworks are distinct in their approaches, they work together to provide a comprehensive solution. Ultimately, as in any movement, all three components-service, advocacy and organizing-are crucial.

The Reproductive Justice analysis offers a framework for empowering women and girls relevant to every family. Instead of focusing on the means-a divisive debate on abortion and birth control that neglects the real-life experiences of women and girls-the Reproductive Justice analysis focuses on the ends: better lives for women, healthier families, and sustainable communities. This is a clear and consistent message for all social justice movements. Using this analysis, we can integrate multiple issues and bring together constituencies that are multi-racial, multi-generational, and multi-class in order to build a more powerful and relevant grassroots movement.

Reproductive Justice focuses on organizing women, girls and their communities to challenge structural power inequalities in a comprehensive and transformative process of empowerment that is based on SisterSong's self-help practices that link the personal to the political. Reproductive Justice can be used as a theory for thinking about how to connect the dots in our lives. It is also a strategy for bringing together social justice movements. But also, it is a practice - a way of analyzing our lives through the art of telling our stories to realize our visions and bring fresh passion to our work.

The key strategies for achieving this vision include supporting the leadership and power of the most excluded groups of women, girls and individuals within a culturally relevant context. This will require holding ourselves and our allies accountable to the integrity of this vision. We have to address directly the inequitable distribution of power and resources within the movement, holding our allies and ourselves responsible for constructing principled, collaborative relationships that end the exploitation and competition within our movement. We also have to build the social, political and economic power of low-income women, Indigenous women, women of color, and their communities so that they are full participating partners in building this new movement. This requires integrating grassroots issues and constituencies that are multi-racial, multi-generational and multi-class into the national policy arena, as well as into the organizations that represent the movement.

SisterSong is building a network of allied social justice and human rights organizations that integrate the reproductive justice analysis into their work. We are using strategies of self-help and empowerment so that women who receive our services understand they are vital emerging leaders in determining the scope and direction of the Reproductive Justice and social justice movements.

In order to find out more about Reproductive Justice, please visit the following websites:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
reproductive justice pro-choice reproductive health abortion reproductive rights women activism activist tools definitions tools resources essay help resource guide internship database internship database

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Pro-Choice Public Education Project : What is Reproductive Justice?

# data[].attributes.body
A survivor of the Holocaust who later became a doctor and activist for reproductive health, operating the first freestanding clinic to offer safe abortions in Canada.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
About Henry Morgentaler – The Morgentaler Decision

# data[].attributes.body
This is an article about reproductive health and justice and its relation to immigration rights.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
‘I’m going to look for you and take your kids’: Reproductive justice in the context of immigration enforcement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Prior research has shown that immigration law enforcement contributes to poor health outcomes—including reproductive health outcomes—among Latinos. Yet no prior research has examined how immigration enforcement might inhibit reproductive justice and limit individual’s reproductive autonomy. We utilized data from an existing study that consisted of a partnership with a Latino community in Michigan in which an immigration raid resulted in multiple arrests and deportations midway through data collection. Using cross-sectional survey data (n = 192) where no one was re-interviewed, we used ordinal logistic regression to compare desired pregnancy timing of individuals surveyed prior to and after the raid to determine the impact of an immigration raid on desired timing of next pregnancy. We then used qualitative data—including 21 in-depth interviews and participant observation—collected in the community after the raid to contextualize our findings. Controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, we found that Latinos surveyed in the aftermath of the raid were more likely to report a greater desire to delay childbearing than Latinos surveyed before the raid occurred. Our qualitative data showed that an immigration raid has financial and psychological effects on immigrant families and that a raid may impact reproductive autonomy because people are fearful of these impacts. These finding suggest that current immigration enforcement efforts may influence reproductive decision-making, impede Latinos reproductive autonomy, and that family-friendly immigration policy reform is needed.

# data[].attributes.body
This article explains a direct relationship between offering sexual health rights to women and the empowerment of these women.

# data[].attributes.body
This article discusses how Indigenous women in Canada were coerced to be sterilized through a tubal ligation procedure; this procedure acts as a form of genocide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Indigenous Women and the Risk of Reproductive Healthcare: Forced Sterilization, Genocide, and Contemporary Population Control - Journal of Human Rights and Social Work

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This brief, yet current, commentary discusses the way eugenically guided policies, like the Sexual Sterilization Acts in Alberta (1928–1972) and British Columbia (1933–1973), have impacted Indigenous women’s reproductive healthcare in Canada. Indigenous women from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan have reported they were coerced into having tubal ligation procedures by their healthcare providers, the most recent account occurring in 2018. These procedures fit the definition of genocide according to the United Nations, and a form of torture as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada. This paper includes an analysis of the legislated and non-legislated policies which aim to control Indigenous women’s reproductive rights and discusses the action the Indigenous community has taken to fight back against racist policies and practices within government and healthcare using activism, storytelling, and a class action lawsuit. The article closes with multilevel recommendations moving forward.

# data[].attributes.body
The article touches on the benefits of using contraception and the importance of pro-choice actions, also touching on disparities in these spaces for persons with intersecting forms of oppression.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The .gov means it's official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Affiliations

¹ UCL Department of Social Science, University College London, London, UK.

² Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.

³ Medical School Building, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.

⁴ Faculty of the Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburgand, UK.

Affiliations

¹ UCL Department of Social Science, University College London, London, UK.

² Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.

³ Medical School Building, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.

⁴ Faculty of the Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburgand, UK.

Abstract

Background: Unintended pregnancy has a huge adverse impact on maternal, child and family health and wealth. There is an unmet need for contraception globally, with an estimated 40% of pregnancies unintended worldwide.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and specialist databases for systematic reviews addressing contraceptive choice, uptake or use, published in English between 2000 and 2019. Two reviewers independently selected and appraised reports and synthesised quantitative and qualitative review findings. We mapped emergent themes to a social determinants of health framework to develop our understanding of the complexities of contraceptive choice and use.

Findings: We found 24 systematic reviews of mostly moderate or high quality. Factors affecting contraception use are remarkably similar among women in very different cultures and settings globally. Use of contraception is influenced by the perceived likelihood and appeal of pregnancy, and relationship status. It is influenced by women's knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of side effects and health risks. Male partners have a strong influence, as do peers' views and experiences, and families' expectations. Lack of education and poverty is linked with low contraception use, and social and cultural norms influence contraception and expectations of family size and timing. Contraception use also depends upon their availability, the accessibility, confidentiality and costs of health services, and attitudes, behaviour and skills of health practitioners.

Interpretation: Contraception has remarkably far-reaching benefits and is highly cost-effective. However, women worldwide lack sufficient knowledge, capability and opportunity to make reproductive choices, and health care systems often fail to provide access and informed choice.

Keywords: Contraception choice; contraception use; systematic review.

PubMed Disclaimer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
national center for biotechnology information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Factors influencing contraception choice and use globally: a synthesis of systematic reviews - PubMed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Contraception has remarkably far-reaching benefits and is highly cost-effective. However, women worldwide lack sufficient knowledge, capability and opportunity to make reproductive choices, and health care systems often fail to provide access and informed choice.

# data[].attributes.body
This blog talks about how reproductive justice goes beyond abortions rights and having the choice over the number of children you have.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Criminalization of Pregnancy | Our Bodies Ourselves Today

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The recent Supreme Court decision to end a woman’s right to abortion is a manifestation of a social trend to criminalize pregnancy.

# data[].attributes.body
This blog discusses a variety of topics relating to reproductive health, as well as a variety of video resources and specific questions to ask medical professionals. There is also a page discussing the importance of the person who is having the abortion and their rights.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BLOG | Clinic 66 | Chatswood

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sex & the reproductive system is a very natural part of being human, it is an essential element of good health. But our culture has labelled it dirty and a taboo subject. Our blog aims to break down these barriers and our articles cover the tough topics that we generally just don’t talk about.

# data[].attributes.body
In this podcast, Kim Tallbear critically discusses polygamous, monogamous relationships, and childbearing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fiscal Sponsorship by SpeakOut | Copyright 2020 All My Relations | Website Design by Louisa Firethorne | Logo & Illustrations by @ArtByCiara

# data[].attributes.body
This podcast explains the true meaning of healthy sex.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Winner of the 2021 SSTAR Consumer Book Award!
What makes sex magnificent? What are the qualities of extraordinary erotic intimacy and what are the elements that help to bring it about? Is great sex the stuff that people remember nostalgically from the

# data[].attributes.body
In this podcast Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses woman's most asked questions on reproductive health and woman's hormones/ body development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
As a Woman Podcast by Natalie Crawford, MD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding Your Hormones and Reproductive Health, As A Woman Podcast with Natalie Crawford, MD

# data[].attributes.body
In this podcast Sarah Geller along with many other guest, discuss the abortion access across the United States. They talk about the pro-life and pro-choice debate while digging deeper into certain states and their heavy's laws on woman's choices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How does abortion access in the United States vary by geographic location? In what ways are state and local-level abortion laws targeted to support pro-choice or pro-life positions? How do both of these intersections play out in terms of women's experiences with abortion? Listen to people explore the answers to these questions and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Seeking Abortion: Geographic Disparities in Abortion Access

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How does abortion access in the United States vary by geographic location? In what ways are state and local-level abortion laws targeted to support pro-choice o