The brochure “Reproductive Justice: An Introduction” was presented
- Space2groW
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
High turnout highlighted widespread interest in reproductive and sexual rights fostered by feminist and LGBTTIQ+ groups.
Frauenkreise and Space2groW are part of a network working intensively to establish reproductive justice in Germany. Coined in 1994 by Black feminists in the United States, the term highlights how reproductive rights debates have often centered on abortion, while neglecting related issues such as the right to motherhood, safe childbirth, and protection against racist violence—concerns still relevant when discussing discrimination and racism today.
“What is reproductive justice?” That was the question that kicked off the presentation of the brochure and sparked discussion both among the panelists and in the audience.
There are three fundamental principles for thinking about reproductive justice:
1. The right to have children and to determine the circumstances of one’s pregnancy.
2. The right not to have children and to have safe access to contraception and abortion.
3. The right to raise children in a safe and non-violent environment and to determine the circumstances of one’s parenthood.
These human rights are constantly being violated: there is gynecological violence, particularly against migrant women; undocumented women have no access to sexual health care, and usually cannot afford contraceptives. Fewer and fewer clinics and doctors in Germany offer abortions, which further exacerbates the unequal situation faced by migrant women:
“People with a migration background may face additional obstacles when seeking to terminate a pregnancy. These include: lack of access to information and medical services in languages other than German, racial discrimination by medical staff, and the risk of being infantilized—that is, not being taken seriously.”
An education free from discrimination and racism is a right enjoyed only by some. This becomes clear when the concepts of a “good education” and a “good mother” exclude certain social groups, such as immigrant families:
“Yet the term ‘good’ conceals certain notions of what it means to be a ‘good mother.’ Global and social inequality, repressive border regimes, the prevention of family reunification, and state-mandated removal of children (placement in state care by child welfare agencies) also mean that some parents are completely denied the opportunity to raise their children.” (29)
“Reproductive Justice: An Introduction” is a seminal text, as it lays the groundwork for sustained and persistent efforts to achieve reproductive justice."
Thank you to all Organizations involved:
La Casita
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