The Revolution of Reproductive Knowledge
Abortion access is often framed as a matter of rights, policy, and choice—but at its core, it is also about education and bodily autonomy. For women, particularly Black and Indigenous women, reclaiming knowledge of our cycles, fertility, and traditional reproductive practices is a revolutionary act. This knowledge represents not just medical alternatives, but a path to sovereignty over our bodies and reproductive futures.
Ancient Wisdom and Scientific Validation
Historically, communities around the world have used plants, herbs, and traditional methods to regulate reproduction. Neem, hibiscus, rue, pennyroyal, and silphium (now extinct) are just a few examples of plants that have been used as natural contraceptives or abortifacients. Studies have shown that neem oil has spermicidal properties, and cultures in South Asia and Africa have used it in reproductive health for centuries. Hibiscus, rich in phytochemicals, has been studied for its effects on uterine contractions and hormonal regulation. These traditional practices allowed women to make decisions about their reproductive health long before modern medicine.
The erasure of this knowledge—through colonization, systemic racism, and patriarchal medical systems—has left many women disconnected from their bodies and options. Scholars like Dr. Layla Brown-Vincent have emphasized the importance of re-centering Indigenous and African knowledge systems in contemporary reproductive health. Dr. Brown-Vincent argues that bodily autonomy is tied to the reclamation of cultural practices, knowledge, and community support systems.
Fertility Awareness and Traditional Medicine
Understanding fertility begins with understanding our cycles. Education about ovulation, fertile windows, and natural fertility inhibitors is critical. If a woman knows when she is ovulating and pairs that knowledge with contraceptive herbs like neem—whether taken orally, applied vaginally, or used by a male partner—she can prevent pregnancy effectively. If pregnancy occurs, there are early-stage herbal options to manage it. These are not new discoveries but ancient practices, documented in cultures around the globe.
For example, midwives in parts of Africa and the Caribbean have historically used neem, hibiscus, and other local herbs for reproductive care. A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted how neem’s active compounds disrupt sperm motility and viability, and hibiscus has been associated with uterotonic effects. Despite this, Western medicine has long dismissed these practices, leaving many women without access to knowledge that could help them make informed decisions about their bodies.
Building Bridges to Reproductive Freedom
Education about these herbs, cycles, and practices must be paired with an honest acknowledgment of the barriers that exist: systemic racism in healthcare, limited access to quality reproductive care, and cultural stigmas around discussing fertility. Organizations like SisterSong and Black Women’s Health Imperative are working to address these gaps, but more is needed.
Abortion access, therefore, isn’t just about having clinics available—it’s about giving women the knowledge and tools to make decisions about their bodies. This means teaching Black and Indigenous women how to understand their cycles, prevent unwanted pregnancies, and access herbs and practices that support autonomy over their reproductive lives.
By reclaiming this knowledge, we reclaim our power. We reduce dependence on systems that have historically failed us. And we ensure that every woman has the tools to choose when—and if—she gives life.