Politics 250: Reproduction and the State

This course offers a survey of contemporary political debates around reproductive policies. We will engage debates between reproductive rights and reproductive justice frameworks, read legislation and court cases pertaining to contraception and abortion, analyze sex education initiatives, and consider emerging policies around reproductive technologies and surrogacy. We will interrogate the surveillance of pregnant bodies, forced sterilization, eugenics, maternal mortality rates, and policies to promote particular birthing practices. The course will center on debates and policies within the United States and draw upon international comparison cases. Gender, race, sexuality, class, and disability will be central categories of analysis in the course. May be taken for credit toward the Gender Studies major or minor.