Bodily Autonomy: A fundamental right

What does it really mean to have control over your own body? In this unfiltered episode of The Intersectionality Lab Podcast, hosts Ana Catarina and Inga dive deep into bodily autonomy—the fundamental right to make decisions about your body without coercion, discrimination, or external control. From reproductive rights and consent to gender expression and healthcare access, bodily autonomy touches every aspect of human dignity. Yet restrictive laws, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities continue to challenge this right worldwide. Through research, personal reflections, and real-life examples, the hosts unpack the power dynamics that shape our bodies and the global fight to reclaim control. This episode also explores how bodily autonomy intersects with gender justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive freedoms, highlighting the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Tune in to understand the stakes, reflect on your own experiences, and learn how we can collectively foster a society that prioritizes choice, agency, and dignity. Additional resources Atwood, M. (1998). The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel. Vintage Classics Atwood, M. (1998). The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel. Vintage Classics https://shop.penguin.co.uk/products/the-handmaids-tale-by-margaret-atwood-1 Curtis, S. (2018). Feminists Don't Wear Pink and Other Lies: Amazing Women on What the F-Word Means to Them. Ballantine Books. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/309386/feminists-dont-wear-pink-and-other-lies-by-scarlett-curtis/9780241418369 UNFPA (2021). State of World's Population Report 2021. Retrieved 6th December, 2024 from https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/SoWP2021_Report_-_EN_web.3.21_0.pdf United Nations Populations Fund (n.d.). Retrieved 6th December, 2024 from https://www.unfpa.org/sowp-2021/autonomy UN OHCHR Statements (2024). Bodily autonomy, dignity and freedom of choice. Retrieved 6th December, 2024 from https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2024/09/bodily-autonomy-dignity-and-freedom-choice-must-be-respected-say-un-experts Resilience (2024). Body Autonomy and Survivor Safety. Retrieved 6th December 2024 from https://resiliencemi.org/body-autonomy/ MSI United States (n.d.). My body, my choice: Defending bodily autonomy. Retrieved 6th December 2024 from https://www.msiunitedstates.org/my-body-my-choice-defending-bodily-autonomy/ ARASA TALP (n.d.). Bodily Autonomy, Bodily Integrity and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Retrieved 6th December 2024 from https://arasa.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/TALP-Module-1-BAI-.pdf