Reproductive Politics: Global Comparisons

Session Submission Type: Invited Session (90 minute)

Description

The politics of reproduction have undergone dramatic shifts over the past decade. Countries like Argentina, Ireland, and Mexico - historically known for their restrictive policy environments - expanded access, and experienced the birth of new coalitions pushing for progressive change. Meanwhile, in countries like the United States and El Salvador, the policy environment became more restrictive and conservative movements advocating fetal rights gained political influence. In this panel, we trace key transformations in the cultural, political, and legal environments surrounding reproduction in the United States, Argentina, El Salvador, Senegal and Burkina Faso. This panel provides descriptive information on ongoing efforts on the ground, aims to understand the linkages between ostensibly disparate sites, and also asks how sociologists and sociological knowledge can contribute to efforts to enhance reproductive justice.

Sub Unit

• Thematic Session

Presider

• Catherine J. Taylor, University of California-Santa Barbara

Individual Presentations

• Fighting Mad: Strategies of Resistance, Ideas for Hope - Krystale E. Littlejohn, University of Oregon

• Into Women's Hands: Misoprostol and Reproductive Justice in Burkina Faso and Senegal - Siri Suh, Brandeis University

• Contours of Control and Care: Reproductive Justice, Black Women, and the Post-Dobbs Landscape in Ohio - Carolette Norwood, Howard University

• Feminist Alliances: Health Professionals and Activists Providing Abortion Access in Argentina After Legal Reform - Julia A McReynolds-Pérez, College of Charleston

• Do Abortion Bans Facilitate Democratic Backsliding? Lessons from El Salvador - Jocelyn S. Viterna, Harvard University

Discussant

• Poulami Roychowdhury, Brown University

Session Organizers

• Poulami Roychowdhury, Brown University

• Catherine J. Taylor, University of California-Santa Barbara