It was fantastic to meet with Prof. Jasmine Fledderjohann and Dr Sophie Patterson at Lancaster University to discuss their upcoming photo exhibition on reproductive justice; confronting and challenging the structural factors in our society which constrain our choices on having children.
The exhibition covers topics such as personal and community health care experiences, housing challenges, safety, financial security, and hearing women’s voices.
Working with marginalised communities, those with lived experience of domestic abuse, the immigration system and social inequity, the project forms part of the work by ReproNorth; a network of activists, community members, clinicians and academics working to address social and health inequities and advance reproductive justice in the Northwest of England.
The exhibition is incredibly thought-provoking. The photos and stories highlight the day-to-day experiences many people face; both in terms of society’s expectations and the mental exhaustion from round-the-clock care to the harsh realities of precarious temporary housing, whilst also reflecting on their influences in life, their hope, and their resilience – weaving a thread of commonality in shared experiences across different personal backgrounds.
As a Member of Parliament, seeing this snapshot of women’s stories was a powerful reminder of the social injustices women face and the scale of the challenge we have to empower women in facilitating, accepting and celebrating their reproductive choices, whilst breaking down the systemic barriers and attitudes we have in our society which breed inequality.
I’d like to thank Jasmine and Sophie and everyone who took part for their thoughtful exploration of using active participatory photography to share these stories.
The exhibition can be seen at the Gregson Community Centre in Lancaster on Friday 22nd May, 2026, from 7:30-11pm.
