Reproductive justice is the right to have children, to not have children, and to raise children in safety and economic wellbeing.* The reproductive justice movement, led by women of color, understands that “choice” is neither straightforward nor evenly applied and accessed.

 

Parenting preparation tends to focus on individual readiness in terms of societal expectations on the parent and the forthcoming needs of the child. At best they provide resources in the areas of health, birthing options, caregiving, and community; at worst they begin the process of perfectionist and consumerist mothering for some who are privileged, while regulating and coercing those whose bodies are not valued for their own sake.

 

This is a spirit-centered class designed to step out from society’s emphasis on practicality and conformity in preparing for parenthood. Activists working at various intersections will present in this class, so that multiple “personal is political” reflections comprise the content and method. 

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*For recommended reading, see Reproductive Justice: An Introduction by Loretta Ross and Rickie Solinger, 2017.

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