Intro to Repro Justice
reproductive justice
the human right to decide if and when one has a child, including the right to raise that child in a safe and healthy community
Intro to Repro Justice
Historically, reproductive rights have been limited…
Certain groups – like people of color and people with disabilities – have been targeted with unjust practices to prevent them from reproducing.
Intro to Repro Justice
Historically, reproductive rights have been limited…
People have been subjected to unethical medical trials, such as being pressured into using birth control
…and unnecessary medical procedures, including sterilization surgeries without consent
Intro to Repro Justice
Historically, reproductive rights have been limited…
Still today, laws that restrict reproductive decision-making have especially significant impacts on women of color and people with lower incomes.
Intro to Repro Justice
Reproductive Choices
Due to shifting values, goals, and circumstances, views on pregnancy and parenting may or may not change over time…
Some folks might choose to:
• Become a parent (via pregnancy, adoption, or fostering)
• Contribute to other families (via surrogacy or cell donation)
• Remain child-free & cultivate kinship with others (partners, pets, chosen family, etc.)
Everyone deserves the RIGHT to make their own choices about their body and reproduction!
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
Pregnancy Options
All these options are legally available to people of all ages in California.
Teens who are pregnant do not need permission to choose any of these options… but it can help to talk with trusted adults for support with decision-making.
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
• Typically done within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy
• Procedural abortion
• Typically done within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (but legal up to 24 weeks in CA)
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
If choosing to… Continue the Pregnancy
Adoption
Parenting
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
It is important to engage in prenatal care throughout the pregnancy
What are some things that pregnant people should and shouldn’t do?
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
If choosing to… Continue the Pregnancy
Adoption
Parenting
It helps to make a birth plan before going into labor…
What are some things that might be part of a birth plan?
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
If choosing to… Continue the Pregnancy Adoption
• Open adoption
Relinquishing legal rights and responsibilities as guardian
• First (biological) and adoptive parent(s) can know each other’s identity, may agree to remain in contact
• Closed adoption
• No identifying information is shared between them
If choosing to… Continue the Pregnancy
Adoption
Parenting
It is important to engage in prenatal care throughout the pregnancy
• DOs: prenatal vitamins, balanced diet, hydration, regular light exercise, plenty of rest, etc.
• DON’Ts: alcohol, drugs, smoke, vape, certain foods & medications, intense physical activity, etc.
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
If choosing to… Continue the Pregnancy
Adoption
Parenting
It helps to make a birth plan before going into labor…
• Care team: finding medical professionals to help with delivery and/or support professionals to help during and after delivery
• Support system: partner, family, friends, etc.
• Labor & delivery: getting mentally and physical prepared, choosing a location, considering pain management options, etc.
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
If choosing to… Continue the Pregnancy Adoption
Relinquishing legal rights and responsibilities as guardian
The vast majority of adoptions in the U.S. are open or semi-open
Which type of adoption do you think is more common?
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
If choosing to… Continue the
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
If choosing to… Continue the
• Choices about the child’s health & well-being: feeding, safe living arrangements, medical care, etc.
• Balancing responsibilities: caring for dependents, household chores, continuing education, etc.
• Support & self-care as a new parent: personal care, childcare, financial support, emotional support, etc.
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
If choosing to… Continue the
Raising a child as their legal guardian
What does a person need to think about or plan for when becoming a parent?
Pregnancy Options Flowchart
Once a person knows they are pregnant…
If choosing to… Continue the
• 3 Days
• A newborn can be safely relinquished within 72 hours at a designated site
• 14 Days
• A parent/guardian has 2 weeks to reclaim the baby
Pregnancy Options
Which of these options do you think is most common for teenagers who become pregnant?
Pregnancy Options
Pregnancy Options Resources
Pregnancy Options
Why
Pregnancy Puzzles
Let’s review what we know about conception, pregnancy, and pregnancy options!
Pregnancy Puzzles
Each person will get a puzzle piece with half of a sentence on it…
1. Find the person with the piece that completes your sentence
2. Stand with your match to form a large circle around the room
Lesson 6 Wrap-Up
Let’s Review!
• What does reproductive justice mean?
• What is prenatal care?
• Who (or where) might a pregnant person go to for support or advice in making their decision?
Looking Forward STIs
Next class…
• Explore the most common curable & treatable STIs
• Play a choose-your-ownadventure story game
• Discuss STI prevention with a condom demonstration!
Self-Care Ideas: Work out to your favorite playlist
Take a hot shower Gaze at the clouds or stars
Create a self-portrait