A History of Reproductive Rights in the United States

Catalog description

Since the late 19th century, a woman's and all person's right to control their intimate reproductive lives in the United States has been a site of public debate and political struggle. These stakes became especially urgent following the US Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Given the dynamic nature of the current debate specifically over abortion rights, we will ask how history can inform our understanding of daily events on this topic? This course begins with the 18th century and brings the long history of reproductive lives in the US to bear on the current struggle. Topics include the history of sexuality, birth control, abortion, childbirth, motherhood, and differences by race and ethnicity. We will examine the religious, moral legal, and policy frameworks that sought to regulate people's reproductive lives. We also explore the series of feminist movements that emerged to protect reproductive rights, as well as the vigorous anti-abortion movement leading to current legal battles. We will conclude by examining current legislation and court cases concerning reproductive rights. Questions we will grapple with include: what are reproductive rights and how do they fit within the context of overall gender and human rights? What historical forces have shaped women's and all people's ability to control their reproductive lives? How has control of an individual's reproductive lives varied by race, ethnicity and class? What factors led to the recent polarization in attitudes towards reproductive rights in the US?