Defending Reproductive Justice

Telling meaningful stories is the first step toward change. Bringing awareness to abuses that might be overlooked is paramount to what we do. At 3 Generations, we recognize the importance and impact of education, especially in the context of reproductive health and women's rights.  

Education is the foundation of the growth of gender equality. Access to an equal and just education system encourages women to participate in their communities and political spheres. Clear and factual education enables women to make more informed decisions about their bodies and health. This, in turn, safeguards them from exploitation and violence. 

Evidence indicates that reproductive and sexual education plays a crucial role in reducing child pregnancies, the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and gender-based violence. According to a study done by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, only 34% of young people worldwide know how to prevent the transmission of HIV. Sexual education in the United States is unequal, with some countries learning only abstinence while others are taught an oversimplified curriculum on safe sex. A study spanning from 2011 to 2013 revealed that 43% of adolescent females and 57% of adolescent males did not receive information about birth control before their first time having sex. 

A comprehensive education on sexual and reproductive health is indispensable, yet not accessible across the world. Education about consent and the prevention of sexual disease and violence is vital to enhancing the well-being of young people. The true and deeply impactful stories of and told by women carry the ring of truth beyond any political agenda.

3G continues to support reproductive health and rights through storytelling and educational efforts. Please visit our website at 3generations.org and connect with us on social media @3_generations to watch our videos and films featuring changemakers spanning worldwide and generations. You can join us today in fostering awareness and understanding through the power of film. 

During this year’s Climate Week in New York, 3 Generations is focused on the intersection of climate change and reproductive health. As climate change is worsening and extreme weather events are becoming more common we are deeply troubled by the impact on women’s reproductive health. Disasters affect reproductive health in many ways, from the simple to the terrifying. Let’s review a few here:

• The number of climate refugees is increasing, and the UN estimates that eighty percent of people displaced are women and children.
• While evacuating a flood or fire survival becomes the first priority and packing or maintaining access to medications may not be possible.
• Routine checkups and access to health centers may not be possible or difficult, leading to increased unwanted pregnancies and health complications.
• Climate refugees are frequently forced to take unsafe routes, stay in dangerous housing, or sleep on the street, making them vulnerable to sexual assault, violence, and disease.
• Rising temperatures and air pollution caused by fracking, burning fossil fuels, and wildfires can cause premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirths, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. 
• Air pollution and heat are also linked to childhood developmental issues with a follow-on impact on later reproductive health.

It goes without saying that the effects and symptoms of climate change disproportionately affect low-income people of color and women. Low-income neighborhoods and black communities have been purposefully targeted for toxic dumping and the placement of factories that release toxins. Lack of green spaces leads to greater heat increases. Additionally, these communities face air pollution and water contamination as our film A Different American Dream demonstrated. Racial and economic targeting have always been interconnected with reproductive health since these factors make pregnant women and infants more susceptible to illness and other health issues. Climate change has only exacerbated these disparities. We have touched on these issues in several of our films including The Devil Came On Horseback and Tricked.

At 3 Generations, while we continue to focus on the curtailing of established reproductive rights, let us not overlook the role climate change is playing too. Gender, racial, and economic rights cannot be ignored while fighting to save our planet. Defending reproductive justice is essential. Please visit our website and connect with us on social media @3_generations as we continue to amplify the voices of those who will help shape the future of reproductive justice and as we cover Climate Week New York 2023.