REPRODUCTIVE INJUSTICES: INEQUALITIES IN ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN BRAZIL

Introduction: The scenario of sexual and reproductive rights violations against women presents various challenges and is intersected by the inequalities of social markers such as race, gender, and class. Women and individuals with the capacity to conceive from historically racialized groups are the most negatively affected, facing worse prenatal, childbirth, and pregnancy conditions, as well as higher maternal mortality rates. Reproductive Justice seeks to ensure the citizenship of marginalized women by reinforcing their right to bodily autonomy and decision-making. Objective: Therefore, the objective is to critically reflect on the racial and gender disparities associated with the difficulty of accessing sexual and reproductive health services and the unequal distribution of opportunities, benefits, and best practices, using reproductive justice as an intersectional lens. Methodology: This theoretical essay utilized a review of historical and contemporary data from a critical perspective. Discussion: Racial, gender, and class disparities result in higher proportions of harassment and sexual violence, difficulties in accessing qualified sexual and reproductive health services, and reduced access to goods and services such as contraception, safe legal abortion, and childbirth free from violence and obstetric racism. Recent data reveals that Black women account for 65% of maternal deaths in Brazil, with up to twice the likelihood of maternal death from preventable causes. Conclusions: We aim to broaden the debate to foster public policies that guarantee access to education, quality health and social services, and protect the sexual and reproductive rights of women and individuals who can conceive.