Episode 305: The Politics of Reproduction
Summary
Hosts Lisa Hernandez and Avigail Orren interview sociologist Car Norwood about the rise of pronatalist policies and their racial implications. Norwood argues that efforts to boost birth rates often target white demographics while ignoring systemic inequities that drive high Black maternal mortality. She emphasizes that reproductive justice requires addressing intersecting issues like poverty, healthcare access, and policy accountability rather than focusing solely on increasing fertility.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Paid parental leave and reproductive justice context
Guest intro: Prof. Car Norwood's background and research focus
Declining birth rates: Economic, security, and demographic concerns
Defining pronatalism and current pro-birth policy incentives
The racial underpinnings of pronatalist agendas
Maternal health disparities and the risks of unsupported pregnancy
Racism in healthcare: Why Black maternal mortality persists
Case studies: Systemic failures in reproductive freedom
Policy solutions: The need for accountability and community input
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