Reproductive health is defined as the overall well-being, physical, mental, spiritual, and social, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its functions and processes. This definition implies that people can have a satisfying and safe sex life and reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so. Many reproductive health issues stem from a reproductive justice framework to ensure that women have full autonomy of their bodies and choices.
There are eight components of reproductive health: reproductive health, adolescent health, maternal health, contraception, sexually transmitted infection, abortion, female genital mutilation, and child and forced marriage.
Often, some programs implement reproductive health strategies such as age-appropriate comprehensive sex education, providing adolescent-friendly contraceptive services, expanding and promoting the use of condoms and other contraceptives, and implementing programs for out-of-school and married adolescents.
The reproductive justice framework is the right to have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and healthy environments. It is based on the human right to make personal decisions about one’s life. The obligation of government and society to ensure that the conditions are suitable for implementing one’s decisions is essential for women of color. Reproductive justice addresses the social reality of inequality, precisely, the inequalities of opportunities that we have to control our reproductive destiny. This framework focuses on the protection of women’s human rights and our options for making choices.
But what does this have to do with adoption?
The right adoption agencies focus on women’s choices and options. For example, suppose you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to explore your options. In that case, adoption agencies should provide you with helpful information and resources about all your options: abortion, adoption, or parenting. Highlighting women’s autonomy and choices for women is necessary to provide a safe place for women. Here at Adoptions From The Heart, we are a Pro-choice agency, and one of our social workers will educate you on ALL your options.
Make sure that whatever agency or lawyer you decide, they value creating a support network for the birth and expecting parents. Whichever route you decide, agency or lawyer, make sure they empower the expecting and birth parents. No one should pressure you into making a decision or choosing adoption. Instead, try to find unbiased support for answers to your questions and needs. And lean on people who will support you no matter what you decide. Adoption agencies can be an excellent resource for options counseling.
To speak with someone that can help you learn more about your options, dial 888-608-8373 or visit their website https://afth.wordpress.com/ for more information.
