Often, "supervision" is the common answer when working with a client whose values conflict with your own. About the value discussed in the post, what are some specific ways your classmate can use supervision to navigate a potential value conflict with a client ethically?

Values are often deeply ingrained. We can feel threatened when we are challenged. Describe ways that you might suggest being more open to hearing alternative perspectives about your classmates' values.

Describe the Circle's concept and experience about which you are reflecting.

The Circle I am most comfortable or willing to discuss with my peers is the "blue light special," Sexual Health and Reproduction. The concept I would like to discuss is Reproductive Justice and general wellness. Reproductive Justice (RJ) has three core tenets: the right to have children, the right not to have children, and the right to parent in safe, healthy environments (National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, 2025). Unlike mainstream reproductive health and rights movements, RJ puts people of color at the forefront, specifically all women, girls, and people who can give birth but do not identify as women or girls.

Answer the following questions based upon this (expand upon each of these questions in approximately 3-4 sentences each):

What values do you hold about this?

I believe that everyone should have equitable access to care and other resources that can improve overall wellness and reproductive health. The tenet of RJ that I am most passionate about is "the right to parent in safe, healthy environments." I think that should include free (fully covered by insurance) birth and long-term (at least 3 months) postpartum care. Women and birthing people of color face higher rates of postpartum depression and other life-threatening issues. They would greatly benefit from equitable access to reproductive justice-based reproductive health and wellness services.

From where did these values come?

I developed my beliefs and values by exploring the history of reproductive health in the US. Women of color, especially black women, have had negative experiences with reproductive health since entering this country. During slavery, the wombs of Black women were constantly violated and experimented on without permission, care, or regard. Trans women of color experience a lack of access to reproductive healthcare due to racism, discrimination, and providers with a lack of cultural competence and awareness. Other women and birthing people have also faced many disparities in reproductive health care compared to their white counterparts. It is well past time for equitable reproductive healthcare.

How did I come to believe this?

When I became a Postpartum Doula, I realized three things: postpartum care is expensive, most of my clients were wealthy white couples, and black-owned agencies that provide postpartum services for people of color pay their doulas way less than white-owned agencies. The disparities were overwhelming. That is when I began doing research and got a better understanding of the other reproductive health and wellness disparities in our country.

Do I wish to affirm or alter these values? Why? Or why not?

I wish to reaffirm my values and take action to create lasting, positive changes in our society. I firmly believe in the Reproductive Justice movement, and my values align with it. I want to make sure every person has the right to have children, the right not to have children, and the right to parent in safe, healthy environments.

References

National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. (2025). What is Reproductive Justice? Www.latinainstitute.org. https://www.latinainstitute.org/resource/what-is-reproductive-justice-rj/Links to an external site.