Reproduction Reconceived: Family Making and the Limits of Choice after Roe v. Wade

Roe v. Wade redefined family, but widening inequality has made choice more myth than reality. Matthiesen's history shows how state neglect has worsened incarceration, for-profit healthcare, disease, and poverty, forcing most to work harder to maintain a family.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

The landmark case Roe v. Wade has had a profound impact on American society, redefining the concept of family and making having children a choice for many individuals. However, this historic decision has also coincided with widening inequality, an ongoing trend that continues to make choice more of a myth than a reality. In this comprehensive and timely history, Matthiesen explores how state neglect has exacerbated the effects of incarceration, for-profit healthcare, disease, and poverty, forcing many people to work tirelessly to maintain a family.

The impact of incarceration on families is particularly significant. Matthiesen notes that the number of children with a parent in prison has increased dramatically in recent decades, with over 1.5 million children in the United States having a parent behind bars. This has led to a range of challenges, including economic instability, social isolation, and mental health issues for children.

Furthermore, the for-profit healthcare system has also contributed to inequality by creating barriers to access for low-income individuals and families. Matthiesen argues that the healthcare system is designed to prioritize profits over patient care, leading to higher costs, reduced access to healthcare, and poorer health outcomes for those who are most vulnerable.

Disease and poverty also play a significant role in limiting choice for families. Matthiesen notes that chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are more prevalent among low-income individuals and families, and these conditions can have a devastating impact on their ability to work and provide for their families. Additionally, poverty can lead to food insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to education and job training opportunities, further restricting choice for families.

State neglect has also contributed to the widening inequality that we see today. Matthiesen argues that the government has failed to invest in social programs and infrastructure that would support families, such as affordable housing, quality education, and healthcare. Instead, the government has prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to social programs that benefit low-income individuals and families.

To address these challenges, Matthiesen suggests a range of solutions, including investing in social programs and infrastructure, increasing access to healthcare, and promoting job training and education opportunities for low-income individuals and families. He also calls for greater accountability and transparency from the government and the healthcare industry, to ensure that they are working to support families and promote equality.

In conclusion, Roe v. Wade has had a profound impact on American society, redefining the concept of family and making having children a choice for many individuals. However, this historic decision has also coincided with widening inequality, an ongoing trend that continues to make choice more of a myth than a reality. State neglect has exacerbated the effects of incarceration, for-profit healthcare, disease, and poverty, forcing many people to work tirelessly to maintain a family. To address these challenges, we need to invest in social programs and infrastructure, increase access to healthcare, and promote job training and education opportunities for low-income individuals and families. We also need to hold the government and the healthcare industry accountable for their actions and ensure that they are working to support families and promote equality.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 154 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520298217