Causes in Common: Reproductive Justice & LGBT Liberation

"Causes in Common" Review
Posted by: aljenkin on Mon, 19 May 08 14:41:26 +0000

This is an incredibly informative position paper, which outlines the ways in which reproductive health and sexual freedom intersect, in terms of supportive and oppressive policies, histories, and social movements. The scope of topics covered in this short (20+ pages) piece is quite impressive and although it is a very U.S.-based discussion, it examines how U.S.-based policies have international impacts. The article also weaves in various sociopolitical strands that are not always connected to reproductive health and sexual freedom, which many people (and the media) often narrow to notions of abortion and same-sex intimacy. There is discussion of adoption, for example, coerced sterilization, the problematic nature of abstinence-only education for youth, reproductive health education for gender-transitioning adults, and gay/bi male difficulties with sperm banks. I am also very impressed with the way in which the authors seem to have systematically ensured that they addressed the issues of an incredible diversity of peoples. They explain the relevance of these issues and policies in the lives of people of different genders (and gender-transitioning status), sexualities, races/ethnicities, nationalities, and socioeconomic status. I would highly recommend this paper not only to those interested in reproductive health and sexual freedom, but also to any advocates of human rights and privacy in the U.S. and internationally. 5 stars!

~ALJ