Reproductive Justice and New Jersey

This blog will focus on reproductive justice issues in the state of New Jersey, and beyond. The term reproductive justice was coined by women of color, specifically the amazing women from SisterSong. The term is meant to be an expansion of the reproductive rights paradigm which focuses on the issues of birth control and abortion rights.
Reproductive Justice uses the experiences of women of color as the point of entry to discuss issues of reproductive rights and health. This shift in center more clearly puts into focus the ways that the interrelated systems of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation work to limit women's ability to gain and maintain control of their reproductive lives.
The reproductive justice framework facilitates a more nuanced discussion of issues such as access to abortion, health care, birthing, the right to reproductive health, eugenics, population control, and the many reproductive technologies that exist. I have great respect for the women who claimed the term Reproductive Justice and use it with care, especially as a white woman who has worked hard to understand the ways white privilege has affected her life and choices.

I look forward to an open dialogue about important issues in our community, and welcome comments both critical and affirming.


Sunday, August 1, 2010

Blanket Abortion Coverage Prohibition Passess



On July 29, 2010 the Department of Health and Human Services released regulations for the new high-risk insurance plans. These plans will cover people who are denied private health insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions. The blanket abortion coverage prohibition passed, and the insurance will not cover abortions.


This legislation denies access to abortion for women whose pregnancies have a likelihood of being very risky.  Women with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS. This policy just doesn't makes sense.  I have said it before and I will continue to say it: Abortion is a private health care decision between a woman, her doctor, and if she chooses, her family. No one else has the right to be in that room, making that very private decision. Especially if a woman already has health risks that compound the issue.

Send a message to the Department of Health and Human Services letting them know that these regulations are impractical and unsupported. Planned Parenthood has created a letter which you can send by clicking here: take a moment to send a message to HHS
Posted by Mandy Restivo at 11:34 AM

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