Today we discuss the late 19th-early 20th century contraceptive movement, the founder of Planned Parenthood, and how they're intrinsically intertwined with eugenics, racist social policy, and the literal sterilization of black folks.

Killing the Black Body is a 1997 book authored by Dorothy Roberts. As the title and tagline suggests, it discusses race, reproduction, and the meaning of liberty in terms of how civil justice so closely intertwined with sexual education and reproductive justice. I'm a 26 year old, white, cisgendered polyamorous woman. I grew up strictly religious, and this greatly informs my lens as I move forward and discuss the second chapter in Roberts' book, The Dark Side of Birth Control.

I was shocked to read quotes from the founder of planned parenthood. I was appalled at the passing of legislation that legalized the sterilization of incarcerated folks. I was sick to my stomach as I realized just how closely reproductive justice was interlaced with eugenicist social policy.

I'm aware that my lens is that of a privileged white woman -- which is bound to make this brief chapter review less impactful than if you were to read the book directly. Though I cannot relate directly to these experiences, I feel moved to educate others on my process of both learning and un-learning.

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