Reproductive justice refers to the human right to maintain the personal body’s autonomy on whether to bear a child or not and parenting of the children in a sustainable and safe community. SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective organization was formed in 1997 to address reproductive justice. Besides, reproductive rights grant individuals the right to decide whether to reproduce or not and guarantee reproductive health. Some reproductive rights include sex education, contraceptives, pregnancy termination, access to reproductive health services, and a family plan. Therefore, the research will discuss the differences between reproductive rights and justice. Finally, the NASW Code of ethics will justify reproductive justice and our ethical responsibilities on the two concepts.

Differences between reproductive justice and reproductive rights

Reproductive rights are based on legal and individualistic practices, while reproductive justice is a holistic, intersectional, and expansive approach. For example, in America, the reproductive right to access abortion has been politicized and sparked heated debate, especially from the SisterSong organization against the practice (Smith, 2017). Many philanthropic foundations are funding reproductive-justice groups to build organizing capacity in a holistic approach.

Application of NASW Code of Ethics

The NASW Code of ethics provides principles and standards applicable to the reproductive justice approach. Regarding the NASW code of ethics, reproductive justice should be for the best interest of challenging injustices such as abortion, respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person (Reamer, 2018). For example, deciding whether to abort or not should be based on the mother and child’s best interest and make a justifiable holistic decision.

Our social justice should be ethical and conforms to ethical standards. It ensures equitable distribution of opportunities and privileges in the society, such as condemning abortion across cultures.

Overall, reproductive justice is a holistic approach dependent on personal decisions, while reproductive rights is a legal approach. NASW Code of ethics provides insight into justifiable practices that society should conform to as social justice.

References #

Reamer, F. G. (2018). Ethical Standards in Social Work: A Review of the Nasw Code of Ethics. Washington DC: NASW Press.

Smith, B. D. (2017). Reproductive Justice: A Policy Window for Social Work Advocacy. National Library of Medicine , 221-226.