When I think about reproductive oppression, I think about power—who has it, who doesn’t, and how it’s used to control people’s lives. Responding to this power dynamic helps shape the mission of my organization, the Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, as we work to remove barriers that continue to oppress marginalized communities.
For Black women, that power has long been used to limit autonomy. Forced pregnancy of enslaved Black women, sterilizations during the eugenics movement, the staggering maternal mortality rates we see today, and even policies that criminalize pregnancy outcomes—are part of a long history of reproductive control.
I’ve seen how this plays out. One patient might face judgment for how many kids she has. Another is scared to speak up about a miscarriage for fear of being blamed. These real-world issues stem from systems that continue to fail people, especially Black women, over and over again.
To fix these issues, we have to start by understanding where they come from. When we do that, we can reimagine what reproductive justice could look like—a future where people have real agency and support, no matter who they are.
Historical Roots of Reproductive Oppression
Reproductive oppression has deep historical roots, particularly in the experiences of American Black women.
During slavery, Black women were forced to bear children to increase the enslaved population. They had no say over their own reproduction—no control about whether or when to have children.
That didn’t stop when slavery ended. In the 20th century, the eugenics movement led to the forced sterilization of thousands of Black women, often without their knowledge or consent. Between 1937 and 1966, data revealed that Black women were the most targeted group for forced sterilizations in North Carolina.
From racial disparities in maternal health to policies that criminalize pregnancy outcomes, the systems that were built to control are still failing Black women.
Structural Barriers to Reproductive Healthcare
Today, Black women in the U.S. face challenges in accessing quality reproductive healthcare. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is alarmingly high—49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022—more than double that of white women.
I believe this disparity reflects an implicit bias in medical settings. It limits access to prenatal care and creates obstacles that disproportionately affect Black communities.
Geographic and economic barriers further hinder access. Many Black women live in areas with fewer healthcare facilities, leading to delays in receiving care. Financial constraints often make it difficult to afford necessary treatments or consultations, exacerbating health disparities.
Policies that criminalize certain pregnancy outcomes add another layer of oppression. Some states have prosecuted women for miscarriages or stillbirths, disproportionately affecting Black women. These legal actions punish people and deter others from seeking medical help for fear of legal repercussions.
Reproductive Justice as the Framework for Change
To dismantle reproductive oppression, we need more than just individual choices. This is where the framework of Reproductive Justice comes in.
Created by an organization of Black women, later known as SisterSong, the Reproductive Justice Framework connects human rights to reproductive rights. It focuses on how broader societal conditions shape our ability to make meaningful choices.
Reproductive justice is built on four key tenets:
- The right to bodily autonomy: Everyone should control their own bodies, free from coercion or violence.
- The right to have children: Individuals should be supported in starting families.
- The right not to have children: Access to contraception and abortion must be protected.
- The right to parent children in safe and sustainable communities: Families must be able to raise children without fear of systemic violence or neglect.
This framework moves beyond the narrow “choice” model by emphasizing the systemic factors influencing decisions. It reminds us that meaningful reproductive freedom can’t exist without addressing economic inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to healthcare.
I often see these principles in action. Patients endure forced relocation due to unsafe housing. They face barriers due to financial strain, poor access to prenatal care, and the stigma of being a “welfare mom.” This is why reproductive justice matters.
By embracing this framework, we can start addressing the root causes of reproductive oppression.
Community-led Solutions
Reproductive justice thrives through the efforts of grassroots organizations that center the experiences of marginalized communities. While SisterSong has been instrumental, numerous other groups are making significant strides, including:
- The Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) focuses on improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. It advocates for policy changes, conducts research, and provides resources to empower Black mothers.
- URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity engages young people in advocating for reproductive justice. It provides leadership development and mobilizes youth to champion equitable healthcare policies.
- The Catalyst Fund for Reproductive Justice, managed by the Groundswell Fund, supports organizations led by women of color, low-income women, and transgender people. Providing financial resources bolsters grassroots advocacy.
These organizations exemplify the power of community-led initiatives in addressing reproductive oppression. By centering the voices of those most affected, they create sustainable solutions that resonate with their communities’ needs.
At Desert Star Institute, we amplify these efforts by offering services tailored to address the unique challenges Black women and other underserved populations face. Through initiatives like DOULAS for Change and free long-term birth control programs, we ensure community-driven solutions remain at the forefront of our work.
Reproductive Justice Is the Path Forward
Reproductive justice challenges us to connect the dots between history and the present. Forced sterilizations and slavery resonate in today’s maternal mortality rates and the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. But this is not where the story ends.
This work requires action. I urge you to support these organizations and those in your community, like my organization, Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, who advocate for policies protecting reproductive rights and understanding unique local landscapes. Have conversations that dismantle stigmas and amplify the voices of those most affected.
The path forward is clear. The question is: What role will you play in shaping it?
