Reproductive Healthcare Disparities

There are disproportionate disadvantages for women of color in regards to reproductive health care access and sexual health education. Many students within underrepresented communities do not receive the reproductive health education they need to be safe and comfortable with their bodies. This social justice problem has led to higher unwanted pregnancies, higher STI rates, and lower rates of contraceptive usage. While sexual education exists in many schools, most of the time it is a very small amount of information and a short class. School poverty also contributes to the amount of sexual health education students receive, this disproportionately favors white students. While addressing this gap, we must also address the pink tax. The more affordable menstrual products can often contain harsh chemicals that are toxic and mass amounts of plastic. The more expensive products are typically organic and contain minimum to no plastic at all. This comparison again favors students and women who have attended higher-funded schools, particularly white women. To address this issue, this research project will provide anecdotal evidence on this social justice issue as well as resources for those who may not have received the best sexual health education and reproductive information they needed. This will include brochures, posters, a website, and free menstrual packages given to those in need.