Bodily autonomy—or the ability to make decisions about our bodies, health, and sexuality without policing or coercion by others—is essential to living a life with dignity, and yet, in this country, it is not guaranteed to all.
The U.S. has a long and sordid history of exploiting and controlling people’s bodies, especially those of Black, Indigenous, and poor people. For youth in foster care, a glaring lack of autonomy and control over their lives and decision making is reflected in their lack of bodily autonomy.
Nearly every decision youth in foster care make requires oversight. Their choices are constrained and their actions surveilled. This newbrief from the Center for the Study of Social Policy reviews state and federal policy levers that can support the sexual and reproductive health and well-being of youth in foster care and puts forth recommendations for strengthening coverage and access to comprehensive care and ensuring autonomy and consent for care.
Please click Supporting the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Youth in Foster Care After Roe to read the brief.
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