Abortion and Contraception History
How was abortion viewed in the United States during the 1700s and 1800s especially when it came to the idea of "quickening"?
In the 1700s and 1800s in the United States abortion was generally more accepted before "quickening," which is when a woman first feels the baby move usually around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy also, "the time from which the [people] knew the law counted abortion an "unlawful measure" (Dayton 119). After quickening it was viewed more negatively and often considered illegal or morally wrong to get an abortion.
What is reproductive justice and how does it expand the pro-choice movement?
Reproductive justice is, "the protection of women's human rights to achieve the physical, mental, spiritual, political, economical and social well- being of women and girls. Reproductive justice goes far beyond the demand to eliminate racial disparities in reproductive health services, and beyond the right- to- privacy- based claims to legal abortion made by the pro-choice movement and dictated and limited by the US Supreme Court" (Ross, 1). It expands the pro-choice movement by addressing issues like access to healthcare, economic support, and freedom from discrimination, ensuring all people have the ability to make their own reproductive choices.
How did the experiences of Rachel Davis and Harriet Jacobs illustrate the role of class in historical instances of sexual violence in the U.S.?
The experiences of Rachel Davis and Harriet Jacobs show how class played a big role in sexual violence in the U.S. Rachel who was poor and faced abuse without much help or protection because of her low social status. Harriet was an enslaved woman, suffered sexual violence because she was considered property and had no rights. Their stories highlight how those with less power and lower class status were more vulnerable to abuse and had fewer ways to seek justice.
Define carceral feminism.
"carceral feminism describes an approach that sees increased policing, prosecution, and imprisonment as the primary solution to violence against women. It ignores the ways in which race, class, gender identity, and immigration status leave certain women more vulnerable to violence and that greater criminalization often places these same women at risk of state violence." (Law, 2014)
When did societal view toward abortion begin to change in the U.S. and what were the factors that contributed to this change?
Societal view toward abortion in the U.S. started to change in the mid 1800s. This was mainly because doctors wanted to control medical practices including abortion. Also, more laws against abortion were made due to moral and religious reasons. People were also worried about population growth and the roles of women in society which influenced these changing views.
Can you define the tenet of the right to have children within reproductive justice?
The right to have children within reproductive justice means that everyone should have the freedom and support to become a parent if they choose to. This includes access to healthcare, financial resources, and a safe environment to raise their children. It ensures that people can make their own decisions about starting a family without facing discrimination or barriers.
In what ways did the experiences of Rachel Davis and Harriet Jacobs differ due to their race?
The experiences of Rachel Davis and Harriet Jacobs differed due to their race in significant ways. Rachel, who was white, faced sexual violence and had some limited legal protections and social support though still very little because of her class. Harriet, who was Black and enslaved had no legal rights and faced extreme violence and abuse because of her race and status as a slave. This meant that Harriet's experiences were shaped by both racial oppression and the lack of any legal recourse.
Can you provide two examples of carceral feminism in practice?
Carceral feminism uses the criminal justice system to deal with gender based violence. For example, it supports laws that make police arrest someone during a domestic violence call even if the victim doesn’t want it to protect the victim. Another example is pushing for longer prison sentences for crimes like rape to punish offenders and stop others.
What were some key legal or social moments in more recent U.S. history when abortion was either accepted or rejected?
Some key moments in recent U.S. history regarding abortion include the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 that made abortion legal nationwide, the Hyde Amendment in 1976 that banned federal funding for most abortions, the Planned Parenthood v. Casey case in 1992 that allowed states to make some restrictions, and many recent state laws that either restrict or protect abortion rights reflecting ongoing debates and changes in society.
What does the tenet of the right not to have children mean in the context of reproductive justice?
The right not to have children in the context of reproductive justice means that everyone should have access to birth control, abortion, and other healthcare services that allow them to avoid or end a pregnancy. It ensures that people can make their own decisions about whether or not to become parents without facing obstacles or discrimination.
Can you describe the case of Betty Jean Owens and the role of race in her experience of sexual violence?
The case of Betty Jean Owens involved a Black woman in the 1950s who was brutally raped by four white men in Florida. Race played a huge role in her experience because at that time black women were often not believed or supported when they reported sexual violence. However, Betty Jean's case was different because her attackers were actually convicted which was very rare for that era. This case highlighted the severe racial inequalities in how sexual violence cases were handled.
What is the definition of abolitionist feminism?
Abolitionist feminism is about creating a society where safety and justice don't rely on police or prisons because, " prisons do not disappear problems, they disappear human beings" (Davis, 1998). It focuses on addressing the root causes of harm like poverty and inequality, and using community based solutions to support and heal people. This approach aims to build a fairer world by encouraging practices that prevent harm and help those affected without resorting to punishment.
How has the history of contraception evolved in the United States alongside the history of abortion?
The history of contraception in the U.S. has evolved alongside abortion. In the early 1900s, birth control was illegal but activists like Margaret Sanger fought for access. By the 1960s, the birth control pill became widely available giving women more control over their reproductive health. Legal battles like the Griswold v. Connecticut case in 1965 helped secure the right to use contraception. This evolution has paralleled the changing attitudes and laws around abortion with both issues often intertwined in discussions about women's rights and health.
How does the tenet of the right to parent children in safe and healthy environments fit into reproductive justice?
The right to parent children in safe and healthy environments means that within reproductive justice everyone should have the support and resources they need to raise their children in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. This includes access to healthcare, education, housing, and protection from violence or discrimination, ensuring that all parents can provide the best possible upbringing for their kids.
What similarities can be drawn between the experiences of Rachel Davis, Harriet Jacobs, and Betty Jean Owens in terms of class?
The experiences of Rachel Davis, Harriet Jacobs, and Betty Jean Owens all show how class influenced their vulnerability to sexual violence. Rachel and Harriet, both from lower social classes faced abuse with little protection or support. Betty Jean, despite her case being taken more seriously also faced significant challenges due to her race and class highlighting how those from lower social standings often had fewer resources and less support when dealing with such violence.
How does abolitionist feminism differ from carceral feminism?
Abolitionist feminism is different from carceral feminism because it doesn't rely on the criminal justice system to solve problems. Instead, it focuses on addressing the root causes of violence and inequality through community support and healing justice practices like "healing conversations." While carceral feminism uses police, courts, and prisons to punish offenders, abolitionist feminism aims to create a society where these systems are not needed by building stronger, safer communities.
Can you provide examples of significant legal changes or societal reactions to contraception in the U.S. over time?
Examples of significant changes include the Comstock Laws in 1873 that made contraceptives illegal Margaret Sanger's work in the early 1900s to promote birth control, the Supreme Court's Griswold v. Connecticut decision in 1965 that legalized contraception for married couples, and the introduction of the birth control pill in the 1960s, which gave women more control over their reproductive health. These changes show how laws and attitudes about contraception have evolved over time.
Can you provide examples of activism or rights that fall under each tenet of reproductive justice?
Activism under reproductive justice includes fighting for better maternity care and affordable childcare to support the right to have children. It also involves efforts to provide access to contraception and safe legal abortion services for the right not to have children. Additionally, it includes advocating for better housing, healthcare, and education to ensure that parents can raise their children in safe and healthy environments.
How do the cases of Rachel Davis, Harriet Jacobs, and Betty Jean Owens show the impact of both race and class on experiences of sexual violence in U.S. history?
The cases of Rachel Davis, Harriet Jacobs, and Betty Jean Owens show that, "gender is not considered a central, defining part of their identity, and their experiences are subsumed by other master categories, typically race and class" (McRichie, 1136). Rachel and Harriet, being from lower classes had little protection. Harriet and Betty Jean, being black, faced even more severe discrimination and lack of support. These stories highlight how both being poor and being a minority made it harder for them to get justice.
Can you provide three examples of abolitionist feminism in practice?
Abolitionist feminism focuses on creating safer communities without relying on police or prisons. One example is community led support groups that help survivors of violence through "healing conversations" and shared aid. Another example is programs that provide education and job training to prevent crime by addressing its root causes. Lastly, some communities use healing justice practices like having offenders make up directly with those they’ve harmed, to resolve conflicts and encourage understanding.