She Strengthens

The Unwavering Link Between Reproductive Freedom and Economic Empowerment

When it comes to women’s economic freedom and equality, few aspects are more critical than our complete autonomy over our reproductive health. Without the ability to choose when, how, and if we have children, our life choices begin to unravel, bound by our obligations to raise a family. Access to contraception, abortion, and affordable community-based reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right, enabling us to make our own decisions and afford them, regardless of income level.

The Power of Choice

Being in control of our motherhood (or lack thereof) is essential for women’s liberation, both financially and professionally. A society with mothers who choose the right moment to have children (or decide not to) is better for everyone. Even if we never use a facility like Planned Parenthood, it is vital that these options are available to all women. The financially struggling mother of three, the teenager in a rural community, and the expectant mother who doesn’t speak English – all deserve access to safe, affordable reproductive healthcare.

A History of Struggle

Prior to the Roe vs Wade decision in 1973, women in America had abortions, but access was restricted, often depending on where a woman lived and was cost-prohibitive for most. Illegal abortion was common, resulting in thousands of deaths. According to Guttmacher, in 1930, abortion was listed as the official cause of death for almost 2,700 women in America. Roe vs Wade opened up access to legal abortion, making it possible for all people seeking abortion to access safe services through healthcare providers.

Birth Control: A Long-Fought Battle

Women in America have used birth control for centuries, but most methods were ineffective and some were dangerous. The first oral contraceptive was approved by the FDA in 1960, thanks to decades of activism. Even after approval, women faced restrictions, and consistent activism led to fewer restrictions on access. Today, women can access a wide variety of birth control options, but activists still fight restrictions on methods like emergency contraception.

Socioeconomic Shifts

The Roe vs Wade ruling in 1973 came on the heels of one of America’s most transformative decades. The 1960s saw racial segregation struck down, voting rights expanded, and the emergence of the modern feminist movement. Since then, there have been significant socioeconomic shifts, and access to safe abortion is one of many factors influencing those shifts. When we increase access and remove barriers to our rights, communities thrive.

Democratizing Access

Planned Parenthood has played a crucial role in democratizing access to reproductive healthcare, providing affordable services to women who would otherwise not have access. The basic facts are daunting: poverty creates hurdles to access to birth control, and economically challenged communities often have high unplanned pregnancy rates. Teen mothers are likely to be in poverty already, and as a society, we don’t do enough to support them.

The Direct Tie Between Economic Freedom and Reproductive Freedom

There is a direct tie between economic freedom and reproductive freedom. States that restrict access to reproductive healthcare often resist efforts to increase the minimum wage, address unequal pay for women, tackle affordable housing, expand Medicaid, pass non-discrimination protections for LGBT people, or fund education. Women’s financial independence is hindered by regressive policies that seek to maintain the status quo, rather than empower women to achieve their dreams.

Contribution and Awareness

While Planned Parenthood has done more than any other private organization to help prevent unwanted pregnancy, it is essential to contribute to the cause by supporting organizations like Reproaction, which works to increase access to abortion and advance reproductive justice. We can individually help women retain their reproductive freedom by committing to busting abortion stigma, talking to friends and family about why we support access to reproductive healthcare, voting, and signing up with activists around the country working to increase access to abortion and advance reproductive justice.