Reproductive rights are human rights, but they also have been a topic of controversy for many years in the US. Reproductive rights are defined as legal rights and freedoms relation to reproduction and reproductive health that vary amongst countries around the world. This section will help you learn all about what is included in your reproductive rights!
Access to Contraception - Individuals have the right to choose and access different types of contraception, including birth control pills, condoms, and others
Access to Family Planning - Individuals have the right to access information and services that help with family planning, like advice on contraception and fertility
Access to Abortion Care - Abortion is still legal and accessible in MA, and state leaders have been careful to continue to protect access to abortion care, like medication abortion
Freedom from Coercion - Individuals have the right to make their own reproductive decisions free from coercion (forceful pressure) or interference from people like parents or guardians
Right to Privacy - Everyone's reproductive health decisions are protected under the right to privacy
Right to Equality and Nondiscrimination - Individuals have the right to equal access to reproductive healthcare, regardless of gender identity, race, or socioeconomic status
In 1973, the U.S Supreme Court decided that the decision to end a pregnancy was in the hands of the individual and not the government. That was the first time Roe v. Wade went to court and for 49 years the country lived with access to abortions.
In 2022, the case went back to the SCOTUS and the original decision was overturned. The Supreme Court ignored its job of protecting fundamental rights and re-ruled the case saying there was no federal constitutional right to abortion. It was the first time in history the Supreme Court took away a fundamental right.
Due to the new ruling more than 12 states have banned abortion completely which forces people to travel far distances to get abortion care or they are forced to go through with the pregnancy.
There are over 80 licensed healthcare providers that specialize in sexual and reproductive health in Massachusetts; all of which have been funded by the DPH. The Mass Gov website is great resource to find a provider near you that can fit your needs Mass Gov website
In the US 1 in every 4 women will end a pregnancy in her lifetime
Abortion is illegal in 14 states
The US has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealth nations; something that is preventable
24 of every 100,000 women die from child birth; a rate that is 3 times higher than other high-income countries
Center for Reproductive Rights. “Roe v. Wade.” Center for Reproductive Rights, 2022, reproductiverights.org/roe-v-wade/.
---. “United States.” Center for Reproductive Rights, reproductiverights.org/our-regions/united-states/.
"Know Your Reproductive Rights | U.S. Representative Lori Trahan.” House.gov, 2022, trahan.house.gov/resources/know-your-reproductive-rights.htm. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
National Association of Social Workers. “Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights.” NASW - National Association of Social Workers, www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Policy-Issues/Reproductive-Rights-Are-Human-Rights.
“Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Locations.” Mass.gov, 2025, www.mass.gov/info-details/sexual-and-reproductive-health-service-locations.
Wikipedia Contributors. “Reproductive Rights.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Nov. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproductive_rights.