As we're commemorating the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I'd just like to point out that reproductive health and justice doesn't begin and end with abortion. Too often, because of the attention that Roe and abortion rights get from mainstream feminist and pro-choice organizations, issues of reproductive justice are not talked about.

For those who are unfamiliar with the idea of reproductive justice, as opposed to reproductive rights...

The term "reproductive justice" was coined in 1994 by the Black Women's Caucus at a national pro-choice conference in Chicago. (Some of these same women went on to co-found the amazing organization SisterSong.) Instead of focusing on the right to abortion, reproductive justice takes a holistic view of women's health and social justice issues.

From Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice:

We believe reproductive justice is the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, economic, and social well-being of women and girls, and will be achieved when women and girls have the economic, social and political power and resources to make healthy decisions about our bodies, sexuality and reproduction for ourselves, our families and our communities in all areas of our lives.

And as Jill says in her great Blog for Choice post: "Reproductive justice is about you."

If you want to know more about reproductive justice, check out Understanding Reproductive Justice, by SisterSong and A New Vision for advancing our movement for reproductive health, reproductive rights and reproductive justice, by Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice.

3 Comments

January 22, 2008 4:37 PM

[0+|0-]  electricfortune said:

I just posted an item on this very topic on Think Girl this morning!

See thinkgirl.net for Julie's "Blog for Choice: Celebrate the Women of Color & Reproductive Justice Movement" for other resources.

And thanks to Jessica, feministing, and every person speaking out today!

Julie Fiandt

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January 22, 2008 4:40 PM

[0+|0-]  locomotivebreath1901 said:

"Reproductive justice."

I'm pro choice and I riot!

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January 22, 2008 11:07 PM

[0+|0-]  adaerid said:

I'm an Asian girl and I have to say; I am ecstatic that there is an awareness group out there for every woman, LGBTs, immigrants, etc. It'd be good for everyone, though, but this is still awesome. :)

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