Gender is understood to be the cultural meanings assigned to masculinity and femininity, based on social norms and expectations for behavior, appearance, roles, and identity. Reproductive governance is the way societies control human reproduction through laws, policies, regulations, economic incentives, and other means. In this context, it becomes clear that there are underlying political assumptions about gender, body, and autonomy.
The first assumption is that women have less power than men when it comes to reproductive decisions. This is often reflected in laws regarding abortion, contraception, pregnancy termination, parental rights, and fertility treatments. These laws generally favor male interests over female ones, assuming that fathers should have more control over their children and families than mothers do. This can lead to patriarchal cultures where women are seen as property rather than individuals with agency and choice.
Another assumption is that reproduction is primarily a private matter between individuals or couples, without broader social consequences.
Many factors outside of individual choices affect reproduction, such as poverty, healthcare access, education level, job opportunities, housing, and more. The impact of these factors is felt most acutely by people who cannot afford or access family planning services or other forms of reproductive care.
The idea that sex is purely for pleasure and recreation is often assumed in reproductive governance. This view does not consider the potential risks of unprotected sex or the physical and emotional effects on both partners. It also ignores the possibility of non-heterosexual relationships, surrogacy, adoption, and other alternative ways of creating families. By focusing on biological reproduction alone, reproductive governance assumes a narrow understanding of what constitutes a family.
Reproductive governance reveals underlying political assumptions about gender, body, and autonomy that reflect societal norms and values. By addressing these assumptions, we can create policies that empower all genders and promote equity and justice in human reproduction.
How does reproductive governance reveal underlying political assumptions about gender, body, and autonomy?
The reproductive governance refers to the regulations and laws that control individuals' ability to reproduce. It includes the legal frameworks for contraception, abortion, fertility treatment, adoption, childcare, marriage, and other related issues. The political and cultural discourse surrounding reproductive governance often reflects and reinforces stereotypes regarding gender, sex, and bodily autonomy.