Reproductive Justice (RJ) means the human right to control our body, our sexuality, our gender, our work, and our reproductive freedom. That right can only be achieved when all women and girls have the complete economic, social, and political power and resources to make healthy decisions about our bodies, our families, and our communities in all areas of our lives.
In 1994, having participated in the international Conference on Population & Development (ICPD) in Cairo, and a number of national conferences in the US, a group of Black women gathered in Chicago, frustrated with the global reproductive status of Black women and the lack of inclusivity in the women’s rights movement. RJ was a direct response to the privacy-based “pro-choice”movement, which was focused on middle class and wealthy white women, yet failed to acknowledge the needs of women of color and other marginalized groups. The Black Women’s Caucus of the Illinois Pro-Choice Alliance determined the necessity of creating a grassroots-based movement adopting human rights, social justice and reproductive rights tenets, for women of color and low income women. The term was also created to emphasize the need for access, not just choice, as well as resources and services like contraception, comprehensive sex education, domestic violence assistance, and adequate wages.
RJ is foundational to gender equality. It requires that every individual be able to make their own choices about their reproductive life, and have access to reproductive health services. RJ also requires that all people have the ability to raise children in safe and healthy environments. It encompasses not only reproductive rights, but also the social, economic, and political conditions that impact whether and how individuals are able to parent with dignity.
Feminist, activist, and academic, Loretta Ross, was one of the Black women who first coined the term Reproductive Justice. Her activism began when she was tear-gassed at a demonstration as a freshman at Howard University in 1970. With a 50 year history of advocacy, Ross has been a leader of many programs, marches, and centers that focus on enhancing justice for all.
Reproductive Justice also considers the social, economic, and political conditions that impact a person’s ability to parent. RJ acknowledges that a person’s ability to make decisions about their reproductive life may be impacted by their housing security, job security, or fear of violence. Reproductive Justice is based on the belief that reproductive rights are not enough to protect full reproductive autonomy. RJ and reproductive rights are similar but their differences are important. Reproductive rights refer to an individual’s legal and political rights to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions without force or interference from governments, institutions, and other individuals. Within international human rights law, reproductive rights like accessing contraception, abortion, healthcare services, and fertility treatments are considered essential human rights. RJ is based on the belief that reproductive rights are not enough to protect full reproductive autonomy.
Reproductive justice (RJ) issues encompass the systemic inequalities that prevent marginalized communities from accessing comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive health services. These issues include barriers like racial discrimination, lack of access to affordable healthcare, and restrictive policies that limit individuals' autonomy over their reproductive choices.
Sex Education:
When RJ is achieved, the quality of sex education will no longer be determined by the town, county, or state that a school is in. Instead sex education will be universally comprehensive and affirming of bodily autonomy.
Contraception:
When RJ is achieved, education about and access to safe and reliable contraception will be available to and affordable for all, with respect for each person's choices.
Cydney Murray
Maternal Health and Wellness:
When RJ is achieved, a pregnant person's health outcomes will no longer be determined by their race, gender, or geographical location because all people will have equitable access to comprehensive healthcare that is provided with respect and consent.
LGBTQIA+ Healthcare:
When RJ is achieved, access to gender-affirming healthcare will be universally available, as well as affordable access to assisted reproductive technology, adoption, and other services to support LGBTQIA+ people in building families.
PERIODPOVERTY
What is it?
Think about the financial burden some individuals experience regarding menstrual supplies. Period poverty can occur when menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and sanitation resources become inaccessible.
Inaccessibility is not limited to finances but also proximity and transportation, amongst many other factors. It can also refer to a lack of access to education and awareness about menstrual health.
Negative impacts on education and finances due to missing school/work because of unaffordable menstrual products
Resulting to the use of uncomfortable or damaging materials in the place of sanitary products, leading to infection
Financial burden leads to lasting impacts on mental, emotional, and social wellbeing
Period poverty is a public health crisis. The National Institutes of Health shares how an estimated 16.9 million menstruating women in the United States live in poverty, twothirds of whom are low-income and cannot afford basic menstrual products.
London Haynie
MENSTRUAL EQUITY
In RJ IGNITE, menstrual equity means ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, race, or gender identity, has access to affordable, safe, and hygienic menstrual products. It involves breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation and advocating for policies that provide free or subsidized products in schools, workplaces, and public facilities. RJ IGNITE also focuses on educating communities about menstrual health and fighting for systemic change so that menstruation is not a barrier to participation in daily life or healthcare access.
Free Menstrual Products
Organizing: Take Action bychrismelyj castro
Congregation: Find communities and programs that support the reproductive justice movement. Join programs like New Voices - Reproductive Justice Ignite, ACLU Pennsylvania, and Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project which are local to Philadelphia and Pennsylvania state. These programs will teach you how to make waves in the movement and support you in your personal progress in reproductive justice.
Advocacy: While this could look like protesting on the street or civil disobedience, advocacy could also look like promoting reproductive autonomy in your homes, workplaces, and communities. You can use social media to amplify your voices.
Education: To build the next generation of reproductive freedom fighters, educate those around you about the negative impacts of reproductive restriction and the expected positive outcomes that are caused by the decriminalization of reproductive health.
Legislative Change: Emailing and calling your representatives ensures that you are maximizing your voice. As a constituent, ensure that you educate yourself about the candidates you are voting for in general and presidential, especially in their position of reproductive rights.
PERIOD POWER- MAISIE HILL THE CYCLE - SHALENE GUPTA
A KIDS BOOK ABOUT PERIODS- JESSICA BIEL
THE CARE AND KEEPING OF YOU -VALORIE SCHAEFER
KILLING THE BLACK BODY - DOROTHY ROBERTS
What is RJ IGNITE?
RJ Ignite is an 8-week cohort program created in partnership with New Voices for Reproductive Justice, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit, that advocates for the health, well-being, and liberation of Black women, femmes, and queer people. RJ Ignite aims to empower AfricanAmerican advocates who are already passionate about reproductive justice, equipping them with deeper insights, strategies, and tools for effective advocacy.
This program dives into critical discussions and teachings on the structural and societal barriers that disproportionately affect the Black community exploring issues rooted in anti-Blackness, anti-queerness, and “misogynoir.” Through this program, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of these injustices and are encouraged to engage in collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. We ignited the fire!
“Reproductive Justice is a basic human right that every human deserves and should not have to work to deserve”
Tricia Tchamabo
Be Well
Mental health and reproductive health are correlated; a balanced mental health state is imperative to supporting good reproductive health. There are many factors that negatively impact reproductive health, including environmental injustices, structural racism, capitalism and unjust policies. When our reproductive health is unwell, our communities are unwell. This is why we fight!
As we navigate the work to advance reproductive justice and build a society that centers the well-being of Black women, girls and genderexpansive folx, let us not forget to be compassionate with ourselves. The road towards liberation and freedom for all can take a toll on our mental and physical health, creating disharmony in our minds and bodies. Implementing strategies to recognize and address moments of dysregulation is proven to increase health outcomes and constitutes a radical act of self-preservation.
I invite you to show yourself compassion and kindness. Selfcompassion positively affects physical health and is linked to increased feelings of happiness, optimism and connectedness, as well as decreased anxiety and depression. Compassion grounds us in our shared experience.
There are many coping strategies that support our well-being, including breathing exercises, mindful movement, journaling, and coloring. Here is an offering to aid and support you as you explore and commit to carving out space to be present with yourself.
