Intersections of Environmental and Reproductive Justice: Examining Social Movement Efforts to Protect Vulnerable Communities from Toxic Exposures Harmful to Reproductive Health.

Abstract

Cross-movement collaboration is emerging amongst advocates at the intersection of environmental justice (EJ) and reproductive justice (RJ) to protect communities of color, Indigenous, and low-income communities from toxicants harmful to reproductive health. Little research exists on this intersection, and on cross-movement collaborations in general. This study examined the collective action frames (CAFs) of advocates at the EJ/RJ intersection. CAFs highlight how advocates identify problems and solutions, and motivate people to take action. Study objectives were to: 1) identify CAFs of advocates working to protect vulnerable communities from toxicants harmful to reproductive health; 2) identify tensions and synergies associated with these frames, and how diverging and converging frames impact cross-movement collaboration; and 3) identify social, political, and economic contextual factors that shape frameworks for action, and consider their implications for tensions and synergies across movements. Semi-structured interviews with 36 advocates and 4 funders across the United States were conducted and over 65 organizational documents were reviewed, resulting in the identification of two main CAFs. The first is the use of intersectionality as a core analytic and organizing principle focused on holistic conceptualizations of individuals, communities, problems, and solutions, and the need for cross-movement collaboration. The second is the use of reproductive health messaging to encourage policy and behavior change. This frame was perceived as highly resonant due to the relatability of reproductive health concerns. Analyses suggest that advocates see substantial value in cross-movement collaboration, including expanded bases of support; new perspectives; shared resources, information, and expertise; and the potential to disrupt social, political, and economic power imbalances that shape environmental reproductive health inequities, as well as other health and social inequities. However, the joining of numerous movements can create interpersonal complexity and competing priorities that influence the strength of alliances, message framing, agendas, and ultimately, the ability to reach shared goals. Investments in inter-group processes that address these tensions may provide opportunities to strengthen cross-movement collaborations. Understanding the CAFs that guide movement efforts can inform this process, as well as more broadly inform advocacy approaches to promote health and health equity, particularly those focused on policies and structural drivers of health.