“Every Body Has Its Own Feminism”: Introducing Transcending Borders

Abstract

The introduction outlines the unique characteristics of the collection—its global focus, multidisciplinary composition, and the combination of historical and contemporary analyses. By drawing on transnational feminism, transculturalism, intersectionality, and reproductive justice frameworks, it illuminates the similarities and variance in past and contemporary studies of reproductive politics. The editors explain the importance of complicating the many histories and ongoing politics of abortion by situating them within the broader conditions in which women make decisions about whether or not to terminate a pregnancy. The introduction demonstrates that putting conversations about abortion and contraception, reproduction, and personhood alongside one another in this multidisciplinary fashion creates a more nuanced understanding of reproductive health.