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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Maria Nakae, MPH, Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice, 310 8th Street, Suite 102, Oakland, CA 94607, (510) 434-7900, maria@reproductivejustice.org

Currently, the attacks against women's reproductive rights and health are increasing and there is an urgent need to build a vibrant and strong movement to protecting the reproductive justice of women of color, poor women and their communities. Women of color and low-income women in the United States face numerous challenges to protecting their reproductive health and justice due to a number of reasons including abortion funding bans, parental involvement laws, recent cuts to Medicaid, rising health insurance costs, and regressive initiatives aimed at restricting civil rights and controlling women's reproduction. Currently, there are three frameworks being used to address reproductive oppression: 1) reproductive health, 2) reproductive rights, and 3) reproductive justice. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably even though they are rooted in different analyses, strategies, and constituencies. These frameworks are distinct and together they offer a complementary and comprehensive solution. Historically, there have been more resources and support allocated for reproductive health and reproductive rights. This session will provide an analysis of these three frameworks with a focus on reproductive justice. We will discuss ways in which grassroots groups and organizations working in communities of color are using strategies to promote and protect the reproductive justice of their constituencies. We will also identify ways in which other social justice issues intersect with reproductive justice and explore ways in which we can build a stronger movement across sectors.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Understand the Reproductive Justice theoretical framework.
• Discuss ways that women of color and others are using Reproductive Justice to address reproductive oppression.
• Engage in advocacy to protect and promote the reproductive justice of women of color and their communities.

Keywords: Social Justice, Reproductive Health

Related Web page: www.reproductivejustice.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation