Link to Recorded Presentations
Department
Psychology & Family Studies
Format of Presentation
Oral Presentation
Research Category
Social Sciences
Description
The United States is often referred to as the land of opportunity and the home of the free, yet today, those who challenge the patriarchal system are not treated fairly or equitably. Historically, from owning land to voting women have fought for the same rights enjoyed by men. The effort of early feminist movements paved the way for the Supreme Court to protect women’s reproductive rights through Roe v. Wade. For decades, women were able to make a choice regarding their reproductive health. However, in just the past year (2022), the Supreme Court ruled to strike down Roe v. Wade, thus undoing years of work and the liberty of women to decide on their own health care. While some people associate Roe v. Wade with abortion and pro-life and pro-choice, this view discounts the fundamental right to access contraceptives and resources all women need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. In a country where women are so desired, their rights mean so little to the men who seek to promote gender roles that ignore the fundamental values Americans have enjoyed for centuries: the freedom to pursue happiness. The consequences of the overturning of Roe v. Wade can restrict access to birth control for minority women and teenagers, restrict resources for domestic violence victims, and create additional burdens on society when individuals are not ready or equipped to form families.
Recommended Citation
McCool, Hailey, "Reproductive Health in America: A History of Patriarchal Control" (2023). Undergraduate Research Conference. 2.
https://athenacommons.muw.edu/urc/2023/social-sciences-ii/2
Included in
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Social Justice Commons, Women's Health Commons
Reproductive Health in America: A History of Patriarchal Control
The United States is often referred to as the land of opportunity and the home of the free, yet today, those who challenge the patriarchal system are not treated fairly or equitably. Historically, from owning land to voting women have fought for the same rights enjoyed by men. The effort of early feminist movements paved the way for the Supreme Court to protect women’s reproductive rights through Roe v. Wade. For decades, women were able to make a choice regarding their reproductive health. However, in just the past year (2022), the Supreme Court ruled to strike down Roe v. Wade, thus undoing years of work and the liberty of women to decide on their own health care. While some people associate Roe v. Wade with abortion and pro-life and pro-choice, this view discounts the fundamental right to access contraceptives and resources all women need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. In a country where women are so desired, their rights mean so little to the men who seek to promote gender roles that ignore the fundamental values Americans have enjoyed for centuries: the freedom to pursue happiness. The consequences of the overturning of Roe v. Wade can restrict access to birth control for minority women and teenagers, restrict resources for domestic violence victims, and create additional burdens on society when individuals are not ready or equipped to form families.