Barriers to Achieving Reproductive Justice for an Indigenous Gulf Coast Tribe

Abstract

Reproductive justice is increasingly being utilized as a framework for exploring women’s reproductive health experiences. However, this topic has not yet been explored among Indigenous state-recognized tribes who do not utilize the Indian Health Service, and little research explores what other factors impact women's ability to reach their reproductive goals. A qualitative descriptive research methodology was used to explore experiences of reproductive justice among members of an Indigenous state-recognized tribe in the Gulf Coast. Data were collected through qualitative semi-structured life-history interviews with female tribal members. Several key themes emerged illustrating barriers related to women achieving their reproductive desires. These included: (a) High Prevalence of Hysterectomy or Sterilization; (b) Experiences with Infertility Common; and (c) High Frequency of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Endometriosis. Findings of this study reveal that Indigenous women face multiple barriers to achieving reproductive justice. This study is unique in exploring the family planning desires and goals, and the barriers experienced in achieving these reproductive desires, for women in a Gulf Coast, non-federally recognized Indigenous tribe. These results contextualize national trends and suggest that Indigenous women in this study experience reproductive injustices that harm their ability to achieve their reproductive desires.