First Advisor

Melody E. Valdini

Date of Award

3-5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and University Honors

Department

Political Science

Language

English

Subjects

Abortion -- Law and legislation -- Southern States, Race discrimination, Abortion -- Political aspects -- United States, African Americans -- Economic conditions, Family policy

DOI

10.15760/honors.839

Abstract

The year 2019 saw the most restrictive state abortion policies introduced and passed since Roe v Wade. The same states passing this legislation are often states also cutting funding for policies that improve the health and socio-economic mobility of mothers and children, which disproportionately affects African-American residents of those states. Outside of reproductive justice advocacy, there is not much research on the role that race plays in the introduction and passing of state abortion policy. I examine and analyze the role of racial prejudice in passing restrictive abortion policy in southern states. Using historical context in southern states, a survey of concurrent state natalist policies, and a backdrop of nationwide disparities, I make the argument that race is a primary driver of recent abortion policy, meant to keep minority groups in subordinate socio-economic positions. I find moderate support that states with restrictive abortion policy also lack support for natalist policies that improve the socio-economic status of low-income African-American citizens with children.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/32544

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