Abortion is a sensitive and highly debated topic due to the complex and deeply held beliefs, values, and emotions that surround it. Women have the right to make decisions about their bodies, including choices related to reproductive health and family planning. Black women experience significantly higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity compared to their white counterparts. Factors such as inadequate prenatal care, delayed intervention, and disparities in maternal healthcare contribute to these stark differences.
"According to the Departments of Public Health of every state that reports abortion by ethnicity; black women disproportionately lead in the numbers. For example, in Mississippi, 79 percent of abortions are obtained by black women; in Washington, D.C., more than 60 percent; in Georgia, 59.4 percent; in Alabama, 58.4 percent. In state after state, similar numbers are found, with black women aborting at two, three or more times their presence in the population. At every income level, black women have higher abortion rates than Whites or Hispanics, except for women below the poverty line, where Hispanic women have slightly higher rates than black women."
"According to the CDC Among the 30 areas that reported race by ethnicity data for 2020, non-Hispanic White women (White) and non-Hispanic Black women (Black) accounted for the highest percentages of all abortions (32.7% and 39.2%, respectively), and Hispanic women and non-Hispanic women in the other race category accounted for lower percentages (21.1% and 7.0%, respectively) White women had the lowest abortion rate (6.2 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years) and ratio (118 abortions per 1,000 live births), and Black women had the highest abortion rate (24.4 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years) and ratio (426 abortions per 1,000 live births)."
"According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey estimates for 2020, around 13.4% of the total U.S. population identified as Black or African American ." With the black population being 13% and black women having the highest abortion rate according to data, is this part of planned population control?
Who is Margaret Sanger?
Margaret Sanger (1879–1966) was an American birth control activist, sex educator, nurse, and writer who played a significant role in the early birth control movement in the United States. Sanger's views on eugenics, a controversial movement that advocated for selective breeding to improve the genetic quality of the human population
In 1916, Sanger opened the first birth control clinic in the United States in Brooklyn, New York. Despite legal challenges, this clinic eventually evolved into the organization known today as Planned Parenthood Federation of America, one of the largest reproductive health organizations globally.
One controversial aspect of Sanger's legacy is the so-called "Negro Project." This project was aimed at providing birth control education and services to African American communities in the South. A fair argument is that the project had eugenic undertones, suggesting that it sought to limit the growth of the African American population.
One of the most frequently cited pieces of evidence for this claim comes from a letter Sanger wrote to Dr. Clarence Gamble on December 10, 1939. In the letter, Sanger discusses the need to involve African American leaders in promoting family planning to reduce the birth rate.
Letter from Margaret Sanger to Dr. C.J. Gamble Lyrics:
"To employ a full time Negro physician. It seems to me from my experience where I have been in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas, that while the colored Negroes have great respect for white doctors they can get closer to their own members and more or less lay their cards on the table which means their ignorance, superstitions and doubts. They do not do this with the white people and if we can train the Negro doctor at the Clinic he can go among them with enthusiasm and with knowledge, which, I believe, will have far-reaching results among the colored people."
"His work in my opinion should be entirely with the Negro profession and the nurses, hospital, social workers, as well as the County's white doctors. His success will depend upon his personality and his training by us."
"The ministers work is also important and also he should be trained, perhaps by the Federation as to our ideals and the goal that we hope to reach. We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members."
Reproductive justice in the black community is an ongoing and multifaceted movement that seeks to address historical and systemic inequalities. It aims to empower individuals to make decisions about their reproductive lives while recognizing the broader social, economic, and political contexts that shape these choices.
Racism in the medical field has profound and detrimental effects on the black community, leading to disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare. These disparities are rooted in historical injustices, systemic biases, and ongoing structural inequalities.
In a perfect world abstinence is the only contraceptive method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy when consistently practiced. It involves refraining from sexual activity, eliminating the risk of unintended pregnancies. Abstinence does not involve the use of contraceptives, which can sometimes incur costs. For individuals or couples facing financial constraints, abstinence provides a no-cost approach to preventing unintended pregnancies.
Abstinence not only prevents pregnancy but also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections. It is the most reliable method for avoiding STDs when practiced consistently. Abstinence allows individuals or couples to delay parenthood until they feel emotionally, financially, and socially ready to take on the responsibilities of raising children. This can contribute to a more stable family environment.
Being married can offer a built-in social support system. Families, friends, and community networks often view married couples as a cohesive unit, which can provide additional emotional and practical support during the challenges of parenthood.
It's essential to recognize that abstinence may not be a practical or feasible option for everyone. Factors such as human sexuality, individual needs, and relationship dynamics vary, and people have different perspectives on intimacy and family planning. In many cases, individuals and couples choose from a range of contraceptive methods based on their preferences, lifestyle, and circumstances.
References and citations:
Margaret Sanger's Autobiography ("Margaret Sanger: An Autobiography," 1938): In her autobiography, Sanger discussed her motivations and beliefs related to birth control. While the term "Negro Project" may not be explicitly mentioned, her views on population control and social improvement are explored.
Negro Project Documents in the Margaret Sanger Papers: The Margaret Sanger Papers Project, located at New York University, holds a collection of documents related to Sanger's work, including materials on the Negro Project. Researchers interested in the historical context and primary sources can explore this archive.
https://www.congress.gov THE EFFECTS OF ABORTION ON THE BLACK COMMUNITY
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