reproductive-rights
|re-pro-duc-tive-rights|
/ˌriːprəˈdʌktɪv ˈraɪts/
(reproductive right)
control over reproduction
Etymology
'reproductive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'reproducere,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'producere' meant 'to lead forth'; 'right' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'riht,' meaning 'just' or 'lawful'.
'reproductive' developed from Latin 'reproducere' into Medieval Latin and then into English via the verbs 'reproduce' and the noun 'reproduction,' which produced the adjective 'reproductive'; 'right' comes from Old English 'riht' and passed through Middle English to become modern 'right'; the compound phrase 'reproductive rights' emerged in the 20th century within legal and political discourse on bodily autonomy and health care.
Initially the roots meant 'to bring forth again' (for 'reproductive') and 'what is just or allowed' (for 'right'); over time the compound 'reproductive rights' came to mean modern legal and human-rights claims about individuals' control over reproduction and access to reproductive health services.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
legal and human rights relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception, abortion, fertility treatment, prenatal and postnatal care, and sex education.
Advocates argued that reproductive-rights are essential for gender equality.
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Noun 2
the political and social movement, policy area, and public debate around securing or limiting access to reproductive healthcare and individuals' decision-making about reproduction.
Discussions about reproductive-rights often become central in election campaigns.
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Last updated: 2026/01/21 13:49