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: Hardback
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, leading to a cycle of poverty and disadvantage. Children with a parent in prison are more likely to experience poverty, drop out of school, and become involved in the criminal justice system themselves. This not only affects the individual children but also has broader societal consequences, as it contributes to the perpetuation of inequality and poverty.

For-profit healthcare has also played a role in exacerbating inequality. Matthiesen argues that the healthcare system is designed to prioritize profits over patient care, leading to higher costs and limited access for many individuals. This particularly affects low-income families, who are more likely to rely on public healthcare programs and may face barriers to accessing quality care. As a result, they may be more susceptible to chronic diseases, which can have long-term consequences for their health and well-being.

Disease has also contributed to widening inequality. Matthiesen notes that certain diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and chronic illnesses, are more prevalent in certain communities, particularly those that are marginalized and vulnerable. These diseases can have devastating effects on individuals and families, leading to poverty, disability, and early death. State neglect has exacerbated these problems by failing to invest in public health infrastructure and programs that can prevent and treat these diseases.

Poverty has also played a significant role in widening inequality. Matthiesen argues that poverty is a root cause of many of the problems that contribute to inequality, such as incarceration, for-profit healthcare, disease, and lack of access to education and job opportunities. When individuals are living in poverty, they are more likely to experience health problems, be unable to afford quality healthcare, and be unable to provide for their families. This creates a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to break.

To address these issues, Matthiesen suggests several solutions. One of the most important is investing in public health infrastructure and programs that can prevent and treat diseases. This includes expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving public health education and awareness, and investing in programs that support vulnerable communities, such as those living in poverty or with disabilities.

Another solution is to address the root causes of poverty, such as lack of access to education and job opportunities. This can be done by investing in education and training programs, providing job assistance and support, and implementing policies that promote economic growth and stability.

Finally, Matthiesen suggests that individuals and communities work together to address these issues. This includes advocating for policies that promote equality and justice, supporting community-based organizations and initiatives, and building relationships and networks that can help to address social and economic challenges.

In conclusion, 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. 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 issues, it is important to invest in public health infrastructure and programs, address the root causes of poverty, and work together to promote equality and justice. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and sustainable society for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520298200