Autonomy in austerity times. Examining hormonal contraceptive implants in Argentina

Abstract

We present findings from a study on the implementation of hormonal contraceptive implants during the last wave of austerity measures in Argentina (2015–2019). Through the lens of “reproductive governance,” we discuss continuities and changes in policy discourse that justified the provision of implants from 2014, before austerity measures started to be implemented, and after 2015. Using the concept of “stratified reproduction” in the light of demographic anxiety about teenage pregnancies, we also observe the key role of health professionals in actually enacting in the clinic key policy changes that characterized pregnancy among low-income, young, low-adherence and/or disabled women as a problem to be eradicated.