Reproductive Justice and Equity: A Historical Analysis of Racism Towards Black Women in the U.S.
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Grant: McNair
Janiah Fladger
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Public Health
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Kalasia Ojeh
Abstract:
In June 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned, removing the federal standard protections of
abortion access in the U.S. This sparked nationwide protests and newly founded public discourse
about who has the right to abortion and overall reproductive healthcare. This change is perceived
to be something new, however a historical analysis of racism and reproductive justice indicates
that rescinding Roe v. Wade is one inequitable event in a series of many inequitable events
geared towards limiting reproductive healthcare, especially for Black women. The meaning of
womanhood and reproductive control must account for the patterns of instability in reproductive
healthcare for Black women from before the early 20th century to the present. Using a content
analysis, I found that racism continues to shape health experiences, but more attention is needed
to understand the myriad ways racism has impacted reproductive health over time. An
investigation of both systemic and structural racism is key to dismantling health inequities seen in the
medical system and across various institutions.