Reproductive Justice
What is reproductive justice?
Reproductive Justice is a movement for holistic self-determination that calls for an end to the intersecting oppressions that interfere with one’s ability to truly make informed decisions about their lives, health, and bodies.
It argues that until dominant systems of power are examined and radically transformed, the sexual and reproductive exploitation of women, young people, communities of color, the poor and uninsured, the differently-abled, immigrants, LGBTQI people and other socially excluded groups will continue.
It recognizes that the fight for reproductive freedom is linked to the struggles for immigrant, worker, and queer rights; economic and environmental justice; an end to violence against women and girls; and access to health care and education that affirms our identities and our bodies.
Reproductive justice was born out of the second wave feminist movement in the US in the 1960’s and 70’s and was led by African American women who understood reproductive rights issues to encompass more than just access to abortion.
While the reproductive justice movement has grown in its focus and inclusivity, itremains deeply rooted in its guiding principles:
Leadership
Those most impacted lead the work. We commit to investing in communities in order to support existing leadership, while developing the abilities of new and emerging community leaders.
Knowledge
Our lived experiences make us an expert on our bodies, genders, sexualities, families, lives, and communities.
Strategy
Organizing is an essential and crucial strategy in creating and maintaining social change.
Power
As individuals, we are most powerful within communities in order to shift and transform cultures.
Forward Together provides for a framework forthinking about reproductive health, rights, and justice and stresses the importance of integrating all three strategies into the fight for human rights and reproductive freedom. Read their report, A New Vision, to find out more.
Read more about reproductive justice movements and organizations in the US:
- Forward Together
- National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum
- National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
- The Native Youth Sexual Health Network
- SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective
- SisterSong member organizations
- SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW
Get Fast Facts About Reproductive and Sexual Health from Advocates for Youth!
