Reproductive justice and media framing: a case‐study analysis of problematic frames in the popular media

Abstract

Reproductive justice is an important and comprehensive conceptualization for understanding the complexity of reproductive issues faced by women. When considering attitudes and beliefs that give rise to policies related to reproduction, it is critical to examine the ways in which the issues are framed. In this case‐study‐style analysis, the problematic ways in which the popular media frame issues related to reproductive justice are explored. In both popular music and television series, reproduction is framed in ways that limit reproductive justice for women. Women who actively choose to use birth control are portrayed negatively, misinformation about condoms and access to reproductive healthcare is perpetuated, and stereotypes about women and reproduction are reinforced. Based upon these analyses, it is recommended that further systematic content analyses be performed in addition to experimental work on the effects of media framing on support (or lack of support) for policies related to reproductive justice. It is also suggested that different types of media related to women's reproduction might be used to help young men and women develop skills for critically deconstructing and reframing messages about sex and reproduction put forth by various forms of media.