Dorothy Roberts Reproductive Justice Essay

Reproductive Justice is a phrase utilized by multiple social movements in support of various issues, typically abortion rights and access to birth control. This phrase has no official definition because it is socially defined within the context it is used, but the most basic, inclusive explanation is that reproductive justice is 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 (Public Education Project). This concept is often discussed in feminist spaces to mobilize for feminist causes, but there is dissent within the feminist movement about how reproductive justice can be achieved. Dorothy Roberts in “Reproductive Justice,

She disparages the rhetoric of choice commonly used in Leftist arguments, citing its potential to limit state support for reproductive rights by placing the blame on women who make “bad choices”. She goes on to criticise the logic used by sections of the Left to argue for reproductive justice because, “framing birth control as a cost-reducing and problem-solving measure masks its potential for racial and class bias and coercion, as well as the systematic and structural reasons for social inequities.” (Roberts). Overall Roberts promotes reform of the reproductive justice movement to include efforts to achieve “a living wage, universal healthcare, and the abolition of prisons” because she believes these would be instrumental in achieving true reproductive

All authors consider reproductive rights inequality through a lens of class and race, and argue for changes in the way the United States addresses these problems. However, Roberts calls for broad changes on a social level along with institutional reforms. She states that, “true reproductive freedom requires a living wage, universal health care, and the abolition of prison,” (Roberts), which illustrates her desire for a large, foundational overhaul of American systems. This type of comprehensive change to address structural inequalities aligns with the goals of radical feminists who advocate for a complete overhaul of oppressive systems. Conversely, Ely and Dumas argue for changes within the legislation, primarily the repeal of laws which they consider to be the main oppressive force faced by vulnerable groups, which falls within the liberal feminist framework for enacting change within the established system. Additionally Ely and Dumas use the language of choice to uphold their argument, stating, “The power to choose whether to bear children is the fundamental premise of reproductive freedom.” (Ely and Dumas). Roberts disparages the rhetoric of choice used by many on the Left. Ultimately Ely and Dumas, and Roberts approach the same issue, reproductive justice, with different possible