A Political Space that Wasn’t There Before

An Interview with Loretta Ross

Abstract

This interview with Loretta Ross, a foundational figure in the Black feminist movement and a co-creator of the Reproductive Justice framework, provides a comprehensive overview of her life’s work and political perspectives. The discussion, which took place on March 5, 2025, begins with Ross’s personal experiences with reproductive oppression and sexual violence, which she identifies as the catalysts for her lifelong activism. She offers a nuanced explanation of how the concept of Reproductive Justice, which a group of twelve Black women developed, expands upon the traditional “pro-choice” movement. Ross highlights that true Reproductive Justice encompasses not only the right not to have children but also the right to have children and to raise them in a safe and supportive environment. The conversation further explores Ross’s insightful critique of how mainstream media often sensationalizes and overdramatizes reproductive issues. She also discusses the adaptability and universality of the Reproductive Justice framework, explaining how it can be applied to and expanded by diverse groups to address their specific vulnerabilities and concerns. The interview concludes with Ross’s thoughts on strategies for engaging men in the movement, emphasizing the importance of highlighting how these issues affect them and their communities. She also shares her forward-looking perspective on the future of reproductive justice in the face of a global rise in far-right, pro-natalist politics, offering a  hopeful vision of resistance.