Manna Mostaghim – Reproductive Justice Initiative
The links in this story provide further information and context. For the sake of brevity and coherence, I use England as the sole case study.
People can’t believe that Trump has been elected. People in the UK clutch at their pearls, chewing on their lips for their sisters, brothers, and non-binary siblings in America. Women purchase red robes and white bonnets, cosplaying gender-based violence as a political statement.
People seem less worried about what is happening here in the UK.
Thatcher’s vision of a UK without society – but just an individual, and their family, has become manifest. Money collected by taxes barely bandages the depleted NHS, under resourced social services and crumbling civil infrastructure within the UK.
But… why aren’t we having more babies? You have had a few miscarriages, and you want some help – have a few more miscarriages and then maybe we can help you. Bisou, bisou!
You are pregnant and are worried about becoming a parent, maybe you can talk to someone about it, emphasis on maybe, here is a waiting list. Congratulations!
Also, don’t have too many babies, especially if you are poor.
Birth Trauma? More like, baby blessing! Stop crying, that’s the baby’s job – who cares that you’ve been let go by your job. Your new job is motherhood! Oh, you’re still crying, here is a waiting list! Maybe you would be less sad if you thought about all those women who would love to become mothers!
Sorry, did you ask for IVF? Ummm, well… that’s actually up to your local NHS services. Also, here is a waiting list! (Don’t be fat; no previous procreation; also, be straight).
I know you want kids, maybe focus less on your job? Oh, you have, it’s that you can’t find a partner… egg freezing? It’s not an “insurance policy” though, it’s a “lottery ticket”. (Sorry, it’s not covered by the NHS – except in very limited cases! So, bonne chance and don’t be fat).
You have a kid, are you sure you can take care of it? We are not sure about that. Although, if they’re a black child, we’re not so sure we can look after them either.
Live in a lower socio-economic area? Maybe, you should be more responsible about your health and move somewhere more expensive?
Get more educated about your sexual and reproductive health! But don’t you dare teach my child about any of that woke nonsense! Also why aren’t you more responsible over your sexual and reproductive health? You need testing – here is a waiting list.
What do you mean you have crushingly heavy and inexplicable period pains? Get it sorted, so what if it takes nine years! Did you say trans man when you talked about period pains? My gender critical views must be protected!
Rest in Peace Brianna Ghey.
I would never hurt a woman! I don’t understand why women stay in abusive relationships, there are services to help you! Stop complaining about all the waiting lists, this is Britain!
We love waiting in Britain!
Except if you want an abortion! Hurry, hurry! Get it before 24 weeks! But make sure that you are close to an abortion clinic, I hope that you don’t have any specialised needs to carry out your abortion (we don’t have anyone trained for that right now).
I know there is a waiting list, but think of it as a fun game, either you get your abortion, or you have a baby! Fun! But don’t you dare try and cheat! Otherwise, we will investigate, prosecute and jail you!
Also, if you were thinking about having an abortion, try and not have a miscarriage – we might need to check that you haven’t had a little, sneaky abortion!
Sorry, we are just looking through your phone. We just need to check your period tracking app, and Google searches to check about the whereabouts of your uterus movements. Don’t be silly, that is not your private information, you should have read the Terms and Conditions, after all you had so much time while you were on all those waiting lists.
Build Bridges! Not Walls!
The Reproductive Justice Framework does not perceive reproductive rights, and access to sexual and reproductive health services, as a byproduct of choices made by individuals. The Reproductive Justice Framework instead asks, how does a health system – like the NHS – limit and expand the choice of services for individuals?
Every individual should have the human right to maintain bodily autonomy and:
- have a child;
- not have a child; and,
- parent the children they have in safe and sustainable communities.
Not all people “own,” “control,” or make decisions about their body, health, and relationships. Within the UK, reproductive rights and choices, like sexual and reproductive health services, are not provided equally. Certain populations are subject to, and burdened by, a paternalistic neglect with choices dictated to them and the ability to access them being so restricted.
It is understandable to be afraid of Trump’s vision and its implications for sexual and reproductive health services, globally. But our own backyard is so depleted of services that can help individuals that need support. So, weep for the people in Trump’s America (if you must) but remember, you live in austerity Britain – and you have the ability to help yourself and your neighbour.
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