In Search of ‘Reproductive Justice’

Outraged and energized by aggressive anti-abortion legislation in 2011, feminist activists look to re-frame the debate.

By Sady Doyle

In the spring of 2011, pro-choice activism seemed to be undergoing a renaissance. The right to abort a pregnancy, secured by Roe v. Wade in 1973 is one of the most definitive victories of the feminist movement--and remains one of the most vehemently contested. Still, the right [RETURN TO ARTICLE]

  • Reader Comments

    I think it should also be noted that the reproductive justice movement has existed for a very long time, and women of color have been saying this exact thing (and more) for just as long. While I agree that we’re in an exciting time that allows us to continually re-frame the issue away from “choice” and “just” abortion and to a larger conversation about race, class, gender, immigration status, etc, it’s important to recognize all of the incredible work that has been going on for years.

    Posted by sabrina maria on Oct 27, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Sabrina—
    Speaking for myself, it’s not that I don’t know that RJ has been around for a “very long time,” but I was answering Sady’s question, which was what has and hasn’t shifted regarding reproductive-rights and reproductive justice *in the last year*, especially after the heady rush of activism around the anti-Black anti-choice signs.

    Thus, the answer I gave. Thanks for responding!
    —Andrea

    Posted by AndreaPlaid on Oct 27, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Hi Andrea, I absolutely see what you’re saying, and I loved your definition of RJ (and subsequent statement about the choice framework as generally fitting squarely within a white, privileged narrative). My point was about the author’s decision to not pay homage to the fact that these aren’t new thoughts, though of course they have been, as you say, coming more to the forefront within the last year. And I know one can’t always fit in everything into a blog post, so I of course don’t want to harp on Sady’s decision too much, but the absence just struck me, is all.

    Posted by sabrina maria on Oct 27, 2011 at 8:58 PM