Moving Towards a Reproductive Justice Model: A comparative Analysis of Reproductive Feminist Discourse in Ireland and India

Eleanor BROOKS

Master's thesis

White women saving brown women from brown men (working title)

Abstract:

This thesis advances the argument that reproductive justice is the more suitable framework to support women's realisation of their reproductive rights. This is contextualised against the history of reproductive oppression experienced by women in Ireland and India through the exploitation of their bodies in their post-colonial nation-states. This thesis demonstrates how both denial and access to reproductive services can produce these experiences of oppression, and thus problematizes the assumption that reproductive freedom is secured through reproductive technology. I argue that the choice framework endorsed by Irish feminists fails to achieve meaningful reproductive autonomy due to its narrow vision. Finally, I propose that the intersectional and comprehensive design of the reproductive justice framework might be a better framework through which to approach and understand the reproductive needs of women and plan and implement interventions to meet the same.

Abstract:

This thesis advances the argument that reproductive justice is the more suitable framework to support women's realisation of their reproductive rights. This is contextualised against the history of reproductive oppression experienced by women in Ireland and India through the exploitation of their bodies in post-colonial Ireland and India. This thesis demonstrates how both denial and access to reproductive services can produce these experiences of oppression, and thus problematizes the assumption that reproductive freedom is secured through reproductive technology. I argue that the choice framework endorsed by Irish feminists fails to achieve meaningful reproductive autonomy due to its narrow vision. Finally, I propose that the intersectional and comprehensive design of the reproductive justice framework might be a better framework through which to approach and understand the reproductive needs of women and plan and implement interventions to meet the same.

Keywords

reproductive justice, choice paradigm, post-colonialism, reproductive rights, state coercion

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 8. 2019

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Michaela Antonín Malaníková, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Humanities / Euroculture