Against Gender Essentialism: Reproductive Justice Doulas and Gender Inclusivity in Pregnancy and Birth Discourse

Abstract

This article explores how reproductive justice (RJ) doulas support trans and nonbinary birthing people, while advancing more inclusive practices within the birth world. We begin by tracing historical changes in mainstream birth and pregnancy care to highlight how biological naturalism and woman-centered discourse became ingrained. Then, we analyze primary data, such as participant observations at doula trainings, interviews with RJ doulas, and training materials for birthworkers, to illuminate how RJ doulas mobilize RJ principles to provide gender-affirming advocacy and inclusive care to pregnant and birthing people of all genders. Key rhetorical strategies include (1) advocacy, (2) radical inclusion, and (3) self-reflexivity. Thus, our study extends existing feminist rhetorical scholarship on gender essentialism in popular pregnancy and childbirth discourse, expands scholarship on obstetric violence and marginalization of nonnormative birthing people, and explores rhetorical possibilities for redress.