Fat Shame and Blame in Reproductive Care: Implications for Ethical Health Care Interactions

Abstract

In this article, we explore the issue of fat shaming in reproductive health care. Using both mainstream weight stigma literature and literature from the fields of critical obesity and fat studies, we highlight how fat women’s experiences in reproductive health care (including encounters in pre-pregnancy, fertility support and treatment, and post-pregnancy) are shaped by dominant notions of health, the body, motherhood, and fatness, ultimately leading to negative health care experiences for these women. We also consider literature that explores health professionals’ experiences and perceptions related to fatness and the care for women’s reproductive health. Through this examination we highlight the existence of weight bias and discrimination that negatively impacts the delivery and uptake of reproductive health services. We conclude with recommendations for health professionals and educators of health professionals that support reproductive justice for fat women.