Contraceptive Equity Must Include Abortion Access

By Cortez Wright

Abortion is one of the most controversial, and yet most common, medical procedures for women. An estimated one in three women will have an abortion in her lifetime, and economically disenfranchised women, particularly women of color, seek abortions in disproportionate numbers. The reasons why women have abortions are varied and complex, but most often have to do with a lack of economic opportunities and family and social support. These factors coupled with the financial inaccessibility of quality healthcare services and comprehensive sex education oftentimes leave women feeling robbed of their agency and the notion of choice seeming rather empty.

Read More

Abortion Access and Contraceptive Equity: A Matter of Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice

By Dr. Krystal Redman

As we work progressively in the fight towards social and economic equality, we must continue to include the argument of sexual and reproductive justice in order to takes steps towards achieving complete contraceptive equity, which includes access to safe and affordable abortion services. Contraceptive equity is the freedom to choose the contraceptive choice that works best for oneself. Furthermore, that all options are available and affordable, including access to adequate information regarding choice and patient-centered medical guidance. Contraceptive equity is only achieved through reproductive justice. In that, reproductive justice looks at the interconnectivity-transformational framework that links health, sexuality, and human rights to the social justice movement. Reproductive justice means having complete bodily autonomy over ones reproductive and sexual health, with supporting policies and legislation in place that protects an individual’s decision over their body. Meaning, all individuals should have the right and ability to access the contraceptive method they chose is best for them.

Read More