Student Work
Undergraduate and graduate students producing stellar work in classes related to reproduction, contraception, and sexuality have been invited by WRHA to share their work. You will find their important research results below. For anyone interested in submitting work for publication on the WRHA website, contact jennifer@womensreproductivehistoryalliance.org for information on our selection process.
Church vs. State: A Contraceptive Battle – Kara Borcher
An exploration of how religion affects the culture surrounding the access to and control of contraception in the United States.
The History of Abstinence Culture in American Evangelicals – Hannah Schmidt
This exhibit documents the role of purity culture in American evangelicalism and details the short- and long-term impacts on young women.
Reproductive Rights Violations at the US/Mexico Border – Grace Cady
US immigration policy consistently marginalizes immigrant women and their reproductive health. The first step is to recognize the ongoing problem – the second is to remedy these heartbreaking human rights violations.
Reproduction in Prison – Daria Vinchesi
An examination of national and state policies, cultural mores, and experiences of incarcerated women.
Apsaalooke Culture, Midwifery & Kinship – Winter Old Elk-Laforge
The Apsáalooke people come from a rich culture, a proud people who still value traditions and morals that have been passed down. Before western medicine, the Apsáalooke people were holistic; they had their medicines and doctors who treated them.
A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Puberty Rituals – Gabby Faulk
A look at puberty rituals from around the world and how they relate to ideas of menstruation, fertility, and women in general.
The Gilded Age of Contraception – Amie Romero
The Gilded Age (from the 1870s to about 1900) brought commerce and growth to the United States, but also created extreme disparities in wealth and privilege. Women experienced these income differences through limited access to contraception and information. Today, access to reproductive care is still a class issue.
Up in Smoke – Megan Sapp
Dukhan is a type of smoke bath, referred to in some cultures as “vaginal smoking” or “steaming,” a practice that dates back thousands of years to the ancient Kingdoms of Meroe and Nubia, located within the borders of modern-day Sudan.
Crusade Against Contraception – Racine Oury
From Augustine to Pope Francis, religious leaders impacted birth control and fertility practices. Religious thought and practice affect contraceptive use and women’s health even to the present day.
The Importance of Birth Control – Caitlin Holzer
Improving access to birth control for all women helps children and families, especially those in poverty.
Coerced Sterilization in America – Cheyanne Hafer
Forced sterilization is a practice that became socially acceptable and commonly used during the Eugenics Movement that started during the Progressive Era.
Hysteria, Health Care, and Menstrual Shame – Kylie Webb
A survey of menstrual taboos in America, and their implications today.
Issues with Male-Focused Contraception – Noelle Martinez
An overview of the ways gendered cultural assumptions have blocked progress on research for male-focused contraception.