| |
| author |
Edilson Dylan Torres
| | title |
CONTRA ELLA: The Impact of the Dobb's Decision on Latina Reproductive Justice
| | abstract |
This thesis argues that despite the ostensibly race-neutral stance of the United States Supreme
Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which upheld that the
Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion, its aftermath has seen a proliferation of
state-level restrictions and bans. These measures, especially prevalent in states with sizable
Latina populations, worsen existing systemic inequalities and impinge upon their reproductive
justice. This raises the question of whether overturning a woman's federal right to abortion was
intended to undermine a Latina's reproductive autonomy. While Dobbs did not overtly target
Latinas, it empowered states with significant numbers of reproductive-age Latinas to enact
stringent barriers, such as bans and restrictions, that disproportionately affect their demographic.
However, these bans and restrictions only exacerbate the systemic obstacles already hindering
Latina access to reproductive healthcare. Thus, in acknowledging the broader material barriers
impacting Latina reproductive justice, I explore the interconnected systemic challenges they face
regarding their reproductive realities. Through this analysis, I demonstrate that the Dobbs
decision violates Latina reproductive justice, actively working Contra Ella. (against her) Contra
Ella highlights how racism, misogyny, and capitalism intersect to perpetuate Latina reproductive
injustice, hindering their self-development and self-determination within the framework of
whiteness. Drawing on policy examples from states with significant Latina populations like
Texas, New York, and Arizona, I anchor my examination in criteria that shed light on the
material realities and barriers Latinas confront, including immigration rights, status, education
attainment, household income, language accessibility, employment, occupation sector, and access
to reproductive services and clinics. I aim to illustrate how the influence of the white supremacist
capitalist patriarchy persists in a race-neutral neoliberal guise, perpetuating an enduring legacy
that goes Contra Ella.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2024)
|
| advisor |
Wendy Kolmar
Chelsea Ebin
|
| committee |
Maria Turrero-Garcia
|
| full text | ETorres.pdf |
| |
