Essentially a Mother: A Feminist Approach to the Law of Pregnancy and Motherhood

The law of pregnancy and motherhood has been overrun by sexist ideology, according to Jennifer Hendricks, who argues that feminists must overthrow the skewed value system that subordinates women, devalues caregiving, and denies too many the right to parent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

The law governing pregnancy and motherhood has been overtaken by sexist ideology, according to a mother who contends that this ideology has taken control. Courts have ruled that a pregnant woman's nine months of gestation are of little significance in her claim to be the child's parent and that a man's fleeting ejaculation holds more importance than a woman's labor. Women have lost their right to abortion as a result of these dubious arguments, which have been used by courts to treat surrogate mothers as nothing more than vessels and to grant biological fathers, even those who became fathers through rape, automatic rights over women and their children.

In her incisive and groundbreaking book, Jennifer Hendricks makes the case that feminists must challenge the skewed value system that devalues caregiving and denies too many people the right to parent. She argues that feminists must work to overthrow this system and create a more equitable and just society that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender.

Hendricks begins by examining the historical roots of the sexist ideology that has dominated the law governing pregnancy and motherhood. She shows how this ideology has been used to justify discrimination and oppression against women and to deny them the same rights and opportunities as men. She also highlights the ways in which this ideology has been perpetuated by the media, popular culture, and the legal system.

Next, Hendricks examines the ways in which this ideology has impacted women's lives. She shows how women have been forced to bear children they do not want, to give up their careers to care for their children, and to face discrimination and harassment in the workplace. She also highlights the ways in which women have been denied the right to make decisions about their own bodies, such as the right to choose whether to have an abortion or to give birth.

Hendricks then argues that feminists must work to challenge the skewed value system that subordinates women and devalues caregiving. She suggests that feminists must work to create a society that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender, and that recognizes the importance of caregiving and parenting.

To achieve this goal, Hendricks suggests that feminists must work to promote policies that support women's rights and promote gender equality. She suggests that feminists must work to increase access to education and training for women, to promote women's leadership and representation in all sectors of society, and to create policies that support working families and caregiving.

In addition, Hendricks suggests that feminists must work to challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate sexist ideology. She suggests that feminists must work to promote a culture that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender, and that recognizes the importance of caregiving and parenting.

Finally, Hendricks argues that feminists must work to create a society that is more inclusive and just for all individuals, regardless of their gender, race, or sexual orientation. She suggests that feminists must work to create policies that promote diversity and inclusion, and that work to create a society that is safe and respectful for all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

In conclusion, Hendricks' book is a powerful and important contribution to the feminist movement. She argues that feminists must challenge the skewed value system that subordinates women and devalues caregiving and that feminists must work to create a more equitable and just society that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender. By promoting policies that support women's rights and promote gender equality, by challenging cultural norms that perpetuate sexist ideology, and by creating a society that is more inclusive and just for all individuals, feminists can help to create a world that is more fair and just for all.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520388260