Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Reproductive Justice: More Than Words

Posted by Unknown at 7:44 PM Labels: , , , , , ,
I know that I often talk (step on soapbox) about reproductive justice (RJ), particularly my frustrations with sensational claims that abortion is genocide in the African-American community or reasons why midwivery and doulas need support. I also realize that "reproductive justice" (the right to have children, not have children, and to parent the children we have in safe and healthy environments) can be heavy concept that turns off people who aren't interested in pro-choice issues, even though the RJ framework was created to recognize how abortion is directly related to other social justice issues (economic, environmental, etc.). Nonetheless it's something that I've become passionate about as I continue to grow into womanhood, and witness how the government and belief structures aim to dictate the tough decisions we have to make for our bodies and families. I am angered by offensive and incessant promotion of women, especially African-American women, as irresponsible blameworthy breeders and crafty spin equating abortion to genocide. I often wonder what Rwandans think of that comparison...

To channel some of this energy, I've been tasking myself to talk about reproductive justice and find entry points and intersections for a broader audience. One step in that direction was being a guest on Hot 97's Street Soldiers for their first-ever panel on abortion (click on the link that says "3/6 Abortion"). It was sparked by the outrageous billboard in Soho that read: "The most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb." Yes, the ad that was taken down in 2 days...New Yorkers ain't having that foolishness. Still I was hesitant to go on air because I've seen how these debates go and I get irritated when people's facts are shifty and the discussion becomes based on subjective beliefs on morality. It also felt like a huge responsibility to speak publicly as an expert about a complex issue which I care dearly about--I wanted to represent, ya know? But knowing that I'd be on the show with Sister Toldja (blogger extraordinaire) and Taja Lindley (doula extraordinaire), I felt ready.

It was an interesting and intense experience. First off, Lisa Evers did an admirable job moderating. She was fair and called bullshit. I respect the way she handled the Margaret Sanger topic, basically saying she's dead so let's move on. Classic. She also called out factually suspect information.

I got a very real public experience in countering spin. It can be difficult to keep a cool (and focused) head when you're pelted with nonsense. I'm talking about the references that women who have abortions have higher chances of getting breast cancer (medically DISPROVEN), pro-choice women don't care about life (anti-choicers' claim to fame), and that reproductive justice is a euphemism. *record scratch*

Reproductive justice is more than words. Since I've already stated the definition let's be clear that it's not just talk, it's a movement. It's not about pro-choice or pro-life labels or debating about when life begins, it's about ensuring healthy communities exist for us to parent and raise children, about keeping the government out of personal family decisions, and understanding that our choices are often shaped more by our conditions than solely individual morality. If these anti-choicers are so outraged by past eugenics and government control of women of color's reproduction, then why are they trying to control it now with religious dogma? Despite being branded as murders, reproductive justice advocates are pro-life. Not the "pro-life" label of anti-choice advocates that leaves little consideration for the lives of mothers or babies after they are born. We are pro-life (promoting and supporting life) because we are about human rights.

According to Sistersong:
In 2005, Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice (ACRJ) expanded the definition of reproductive justice to mean “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.”
As we get closer to the 2012 election, this debate is going to get fiercer and black women (and families) will continue to be rhetorical targets and pawns. We will continue to spoken about not as multi-dimensional, complicated and capable humans but as a easily duped species exceptional at breeding. The truth will become even more muddled with questionable research, religious posturing and mudslinging but with a solid foundation, understanding and respect for justice in all forms our community can rebuke shame and spin.

I've listed some RJ resources below which provide trustworthy and nuanced information. It's a starting point and I'd like to add more. Let's take a step forward towards combatting words with action.



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