FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS:

GLOBAL EXPERIENCES AND POLICIES

INTRODUCTION
By Gauranshi Tejaka
SKG222E0214
Reproductive rights as a feminist Issue:
A. Define Reproductive Rights.

Reproductive rights are the legal and ethical entitlements that allow individuals to make
autonomous decisions regarding their reproductive health. These rights include access to
contraception, safe and legal abortion, maternal care, fertility therapies, and sexual health
education. Reproductive rights also include the right to choose whether and when to have
children, free of compulsion, discrimination, or violence.

Reproductive rights are founded on recognizing bodily autonomy and are inextricably linked
to human rights. At its foundation, it assures that people, particularly women, have control
over their reproductive decisions, letting them live their lives on their terms. This idea
extends beyond physical health to include social, economic, and psychological aspects of
well-being.

B. The Importance of Reproductive Rights for Gender Equity and Women's Empowerment

Reproductive rights are essential for attaining gender equality and empowering women.
Women who lack control over their reproductive decisions suffer institutional hurdles to
education, employment, and political participation. The opportunity to choose when and
whether to have children is critical for women to fulfill personal and professional objectives
while breaking free from cycles of poverty and reliance.

1. Economic independence.
When women have access to contraception and family planning, they can pursue education
and employment, which helps them achieve financial independence. Research repeatedly
shows that access to reproductive healthcare is associated with lower poverty rates and better
economic results for women and their families.

2. Health and wellbeing

Reproductive rights have a direct impact on women's physical and emotional health. Unsafe
abortions, a lack of prenatal care, and coerced pregnancies jeopardize women's lives,
especially in areas with underdeveloped healthcare systems. Ensuring safe reproductive
healthcare reduces maternal mortality and morbidity, resulting in healthier communities.

3. Social and Political Empowerment.

Reproductive rights challenge patriarchal institutions that attempt to regulate women's bodies.
By allowing women to make decisions regarding their reproductive health, these rights
enable them to challenge established conventions and engage more fully in social and
political life. This empowerment is especially important in conservative countries where
women's roles are typically limited to childbearing and caregiving.

C. Feminist Movements and the Fight for Reproductive Rights Worldwide

The struggle for reproductive rights has been essential to feminist movements around the
world. These movements have highlighted how restricting women's reproductive autonomy
contributes to gender inequity and weakens their rights as citizens and persons.

1. Historical context.
In the early twentieth century, feminist leaders such as Margaret Sanger in the United States
called for birth control as a way to free women from the physical and financial burdens of
unexpected pregnancies. This activism resulted in the development of contraceptive
techniques and the founding of family planning clinics.
The movement for legal abortion gained traction in the 1960s and 1970s, with major cases
such as Roe v. Wade (1973) in the United States, which acknowledged a woman's right to
choose. Similarly, feminist movements in France, Canada, and India advocated for abortion
rights, opposing restrictive regulations founded on religious or cultural conservatism.

2. Global Challenges and Progress.

Despite substantial advances, several countries around the world continue to face threats to
their reproductive rights. Countries with strong patriarchal traditions frequently restrict access
to contraception and abortion, citing religious or moral reasons. For example, in Latin
America and Africa, draconian abortion regulations continue to imperil women's lives,
forcing them to undergo risky procedures.

Feminist movements have responded through grassroots activism, legal challenges, and
global advocacy. For example:
- In Ireland, decades of feminist campaigning resulted in the removal of the country's near-
total abortion ban in 2018 via a public referendum.
- Argentina achieved a similar success in 2020 when years of feminist agitation culminated in
the legalization of abortion.

Conversely, the United States has suffered defeats with the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in
Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, highlighting
the fragility of reproductive rights even in affluent countries.
3. Intersectionality in Reproductive Rights.
Feminist movements stress the intersectionality of reproductive rights. Women of color, low-
income women, and those living in rural regions may face additional challenges to getting
reproductive healthcare. For example, the forced sterilization of Indigenous and Black
women in the United States and Canada demonstrates how reproductive rights interact with
racial justice. Similarly, migrant women's lack of access to healthcare in Europe highlights
the need for comprehensive measures that address systemic imbalances.
 CASE STUDIES
THE FRENCH APPROACH TO REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: A CASE STUDY IN POLICY
AND CULTURE
By Saujanya C
SKG222E0261

Reproductive rights refer to the freedom of individuals to control decisions regarding

contraception, abortion, sterilization, and childbirth. France has a complex history with
reproductive rights, shaped by both cultural and political factors. Traditionally, Catholic
influence strongly opposed abortion and contraception. However, the 20th century saw
significant shifts. In 1975, the Veil Act legalized abortion under certain conditions. More
recently, in 2022, France further liberalized its abortion laws, extending the time limit and
improving access. In a historic move, in 2024, France enshrined the right to abortion in its
constitution.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
1. 19TH CENTURY CONCERNS
o Neo-Malthusianism vs. Pronatalism: While neo-Malthusian concerns about
overpopulation emerged globally, France's unique demographic anxiety about
declining fertility shaped strong pronatalist policies.
o Early Pronatalist Organizations: Groups like the Alliance nationale pour
l’accroissement de la population française (1896) promoted large families to
counter declining birth rates.
2. 1920S-1940S: LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
o The 1920 law outlawed contraception, solidifying state pronatalist policies.
o Institutions like the Conseil supérieur de la natalité (1920) and Haut comité
de la population (1939) reinforced state control over reproductive matters.
3. POST-WAR PERIOD: EMERGENCE OF FEMINIST AND MEDICAL
ADVOCACY
o Feminist critique (e.g., Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex in 1949)
reframed reproduction as central to women’s emancipation.
o Maternité Heureuse and its successor, Mouvement français pour le
“planning” familial, provided alternatives to unsafe abortion and promoted
contraception.
4. 1960S-1970S: LEGAL REFORMS AND ACTIVISM
o The Loi Neuwirth (1967) legalized contraception, signaling a shift in public
health priorities.
 o High-profile feminist campaigns, like the Manifeste des 343 (1971), fueled
debates about abortion.
o Passage of the Loi Veil (1975), championed by Simone Veil, legalized abortion
and marked a victory for feminist and public health advocates.

CURRENT LEGAL FRAMEWORK:

Abortion in France has been legal since 1975 under the Loi Veil and is now enshrined as a
constitutional right as of March 8, 2024. This groundbreaking amendment guarantees
abortion as a “freedom,” making France the first country globally to protect this right
constitutionally. Access is available up to 14 weeks of pregnancy, with mandatory counseling
and free coverage under the universal healthcare system.
Contraceptives, including emergency options, are widely accessible and free for individuals
under 26. Comprehensive sex education supports awareness of reproductive rights. Assisted
reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF are publicly funded and available to all women,
including single and same-sex couples.
This constitutional guarantee reflects France's commitment to safeguarding reproductive
autonomy amidst global challenges to abortion rights, such as the U.S. reversal of Roe v.
Wade. With over 80% public support, France stands as a leader in ensuring reproductive
freedoms.
ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH:
France has made significant strides in ensuring access to reproductive healthcare. The public
healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage for contraception, abortion, and
maternal care. This includes free access to a wide range of contraceptives, including
emergency contraception, for individuals under 26. Additionally, abortion is free of charge
and accessible through the public healthcare system.
However, despite these advancements, certain challenges persist. Geographical disparities in
access to healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas, can pose difficulties for some
individuals. Moreover, socioeconomic factors can influence access, as those with lower
incomes may face barriers to accessing necessary services. Cultural attitudes and religious
beliefs can also impact the uptake of reproductive healthcare, particularly in more
conservative regions.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ATTITUDES:
Public opinion in France has become increasingly supportive of reproductive rights, with a
strong majority favoring abortion access and contraception. This shift reflects the influence of
feminist movements, secularization, and a growing emphasis on individual autonomy.
However, conservative voices, often linked to religious institutions, continue to oppose
abortion and contraception.
The media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse on reproductive rights. While
mainstream media generally supports reproductive freedom, some outlets, particularly those
with religious affiliations, may promote more conservative views. Education also plays a
significant role in shaping attitudes, with comprehensive sex education programs helping to
dispel misinformation and promote informed decision-making.

FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHT IN INDIA

By Kriteedeepa Sethi
SKG222E0150

Reproductive rights are integral to gender justice, allowing women to exercise autonomy over
their bodies and lives. In India, these rights are shaped by a legacy of population control
policies, cultural norms, and the work of women’s rights organizations. This case study
examines reproductive rights in India by focusing on family planning policies, the role of
feminist organizations, and barriers to healthcare access, alongside real-life examples to
illustrate their impact.
1. India’s Family Planning Policies and Their Impact
Policy Evolution and Practices:
India’s family planning journey began in 1952 with the world's first national program, aimed
at controlling population growth. However, the 1970s saw coercive sterilization campaigns,
particularly during the Emergency, leading to widespread abuses of women’s autonomy. The
1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) shifted the focus
from population control to reproductive health and rights, emphasizing informed choice and
gender equality. Programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) aimed to improve maternal
health but faced issues with poor implementation, often resulting in substandard care.
Case Study: Sterilization Tragedy in Chhattisgarh (2014)
In a sterilization camp in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, over 80 women underwent sterilization
surgeries in unhygienic conditions, leading to the death of 13 women. Investigations revealed
severe negligence, such as reuse of equipment without sterilization and poor post-operative
care. This incident highlighted systemic issues in India’s family planning program, including
overemphasis on sterilization and neglect of women’s health and dignity.
Impact of Policies:
- Successes: Decline in fertility rates and increased contraceptive awareness.
- Failures: Over-reliance on female sterilization (64% of contraceptive use) and neglect of
male responsibility in family planning. The policy often sidelines women’s autonomy,
focusing on population control rather than holistic health.
2. The Role of Women’s Rights Organizations
Advocacy and Legal Reforms:
Feminist organizations have been pivotal in ensuring reproductive rights. Their work includes
lobbying for legal reforms, conducting awareness campaigns, and challenging human rights
violations. For instance, advocacy efforts have opposed coercive sterilization practices and
promoted menstrual health awareness.
Case Study: Abortion Rights Advocacy
The 2021 amendment to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, increasing the
gestational limit for abortion from 20 to 24 weeks for certain categories, was the result of
sustained advocacy by women’s rights groups. Organizations like Pratigya Campaign for
Gender Equality and Safe Abortion emphasized women’s right to choose, bringing abortion
access issues to the forefront.
Grassroots Impact:
Organizations like SEWA and MASUM work at the grassroots level, focusing on menstrual
health, contraception education, and legal empowerment. SEWA, for example, conducts
campaigns to dismantle cultural taboos around menstruation and ensures rural women access
sanitary products and healthcare.
3. Barriers to Accessing Reproductive Healthcare
Cultural and Social Challenges:
Deeply entrenched patriarchy perpetuates myths and stigma around contraception and
abortion, particularly for unmarried women and adolescents. Limited access to reproductive
health information further exacerbates these issues.
Case Study: Unsafe Abortions in Bihar
In Bihar, a 17-year-old girl sought an illegal abortion after being denied services due to
societal stigma and her unmarried status. The procedure, conducted in unsafe conditions, led
to life-threatening complications. This case reflects the lack of accessible and non-judgmental
reproductive healthcare for unmarried women in rural areas.
Economic and Geographic Inequalities:
Women in marginalized communities often struggle to access quality healthcare due to:
- Poor infrastructure in rural health centers.
- Lack of trained medical professionals.
- High costs of contraceptives and medical procedures.
Case Study: Access Issues in Tribal Areas
In Madhya Pradesh, tribal women in remote areas report traveling over 50 kilometres to
access basic reproductive healthcare. Many give birth at home due to the unavailability of
skilled birth attendants, leading to higher maternal mortality rates.
Gender-Based Violence and Reproductive Coercion:
Spousal or familial pressure often forces women into sterilization or unwanted pregnancies,
stripping them of autonomy. The state’s focus on sterilization camps perpetuates this
dynamic, disproportionately targeting poor women.
4. Policy and Educational Reforms
Promoting Comprehensive Sex Education:
Introducing sex education in schools can dispel myths and empower adolescents with
accurate information about reproductive health.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems:
Improving infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and ensuring quality care are critical.
Programs like JSY should prioritize delivering safe, dignified care, addressing the gaps in
implementation.
Policy Advocacy:
Reforms opposing coercive sterilization, promoting menstrual health, and ensuring access to
contraception and abortion services are essential. Grassroots efforts, combined with national
reforms, can dismantle cultural and systemic barriers to reproductive health.

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