DE #2

Currently feminists are confronted with the issue of choice and variety of options being reduced and limited significantly. This is being done through debates, legislation and bills on the table regarding reproductive rights, justice and health. Eliminating federal funding to Planned Parenthood, bills limiting the option of abortions to women and limiting or eliminating health care coverage for the procedure are all topics being discussed. By taking away options to one's reproductive health it can come down to following the law and doing what is right for one's health. Feminists argue that with the passing of these new regulations, laws and cuts in funding not only will it affect the individual woman but also children's, families' and communities' well-being. As argued in the readings, there are many situations in which this "murder" is actually saving and the act of responsibility. By leaving only one possibility and then stating it is a choice an individual has to make you are leaving no options. In addition, with these restrictions individual bodies and reproduction is being controlled by unconnected powers, disregarding individual and communities physical and emotional health and well-being. As ACRJ states "reproductive justice is the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, economic, and social well-being of women and girls, and will be achieved when women and girls have the economic, social and political power and resources to make healthy decisions about our bodies, sexuality and reproduction for ourselves, our families and our communities in all areas of our lives." (page 1)