“I CONTROL MY BODY”: REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE AMONG BLACK WOMEN ENGAGED IN THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM IN NEW YORK CITY

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to understand how rights to reproductive justice (RJ) are infringed upon or supported among Black women engaged in the criminal legal system in New York City.

Methods

Between October 2018 and January 2019, we conducted 43 semi-structured interviews with Black women in community supervision programs with histories of drug use who reported risks for HIV or being HIV-positive in New York City. Thematic analyses of the data were conducted using the RJ framework, with findings categorized based on each key RJ principle.

Results

Key themes related to the right to have a child included (1) forced abortion, (2) unexplained fertility not being followed up by doctors (and subsequent medical mistrust of providers), and (3) misinformation related to abortion and fertility. Themes related to the right to not have a child included (1) use of birth control, (2) primarily positive experiences with abortion access, (3) and having bodily autonomy. Themes related to the right to raise a child in a safe and healthy environment included (1) housing instability, (2) engagement with child protective services, and (3) the role of criminal legal systems in isolating mothers.

Conclusions

Findings highlight both major infringements to women’s RJ rights, as well as women describing facilitators to maintaining their RJ rights among this sample of Black women. Results also highlight the importance of access of equitable sexual and reproductive health services for women engaged in the criminal legal system, who may have competing priorities and needs to maintain their sexual and reproductive health.