This workshop will explore feminist analyses of developments in the
politics and practices in reproductive health since the 1970s.
The
Women's Movement of that time is perhaps best remembered for the
slogan `a woman's right to choose'. However it rapidly
became clear
that the language of rights and choice was not without its problems.
Coming together on similarities was energising and liberating for
many women in the early days. That solidarity started to fragment as
differences emerged. Black women challenged the premise on which the
pro-abortion movement came together; other women argued that it was
inadequate to lobby on a single issue in reproductive health; and
disabled women remained marginalised for many years to come.
Women from York were particularly active in setting up the splinter
campaign called Women's Reproductive Rights Campaign, and York was
the
headquarters of this active multi-issue national campaigning group
for several years. York women were also active in the Feminist
International Network Against Reproductive and Genetic Engineering.
This workshop will hear from several of those women who will talk
about their experiences and explore with workshop participants the
complexities of the issues arising in reproductive health right
through to current dilemmas facing women around assisted conception
and genetics. Coming together on similarities as women, while
managing
and respecting our differences, will be the theme.
return to
conference