By Rika S., Dartmouth intern at RFFNH
Growing up as an expat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I had the chance to volunteer at a small, rural women’s clinic focused on breastfeeding and obstetrics. That experience was transformative and shaped the way I view healthcare, advocacy, and the importance of cultural understanding. At the clinic, I learned that health decisions are rarely made in isolation. They are influenced by family, community, and deeply held cultural and religious beliefs. One of the most striking lessons came from learning about the Islamic concept of milk kinship, which creates familial bonds with profound social and legal implications. Witnessing how these beliefs affected maternal and infant care taught me that understanding cultural context is not just valuable, it is essential.
While volunteering, I observed the ways culture could both support and challenge women’s health. Community networks offered strong support for new mothers, helping them navigate the physical and emotional demands of childbirth and breastfeeding. At the same time, certain cultural and religious norms sometimes created barriers to care or limited access to accurate information. For example, some women were hesitant to ask questions about reproductive health because they felt it might conflict with cultural expectations or family traditions. I realized that advocacy and healthcare provision are not only about offering resources, they are about listening carefully, learning about each person’s context, and finding ways to meet people where they are. Respecting cultural values while still providing necessary care is a delicate balance, but it is a balance that can make care more effective and meaningful.
This perspective has stayed with me as I engage in reproductive health advocacy here in New Hampshire. Organizations like the Reproductive Freedom Fund recognize that cultural understanding strengthens their work. Removing financial barriers to abortion and gender-affirming care is vital, but so is creating an environment where people feel seen, respected, and supported. Meeting individuals in the context of their own lives allows advocates to build trust and to ensure that care is accessible, safe, and compassionate. I have seen how listening and learning about people’s backgrounds, beliefs, and lived experiences can help break down barriers and foster more inclusive healthcare.
My experiences in Malaysia also reinforced the importance of empathy and humility. Every person’s journey is shaped by a combination of personal, cultural, and societal factors. Reproductive justice must take all of these into account if it is to be truly equitable. Through my involvement with ReproFund, I have seen how thoughtful, culturally informed advocacy can empower individuals, dismantle barriers, and create stronger, more resilient communities. Advocacy is not just about providing services, it is about understanding, connecting, and amplifying the voices of those who are too often marginalized.
Reproductive justice is a collective effort. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every person can contribute to a culture of care that is equitable, compassionate, and culturally informed. By embracing cultural understanding as a core part of advocacy, we can create a reproductive health landscape where everyone’s needs are acknowledged, respected, and met. My hope is that more people will recognize the importance of listening, learning, and engaging with culture as a central part of their advocacy work. This approach does more than provide care; it builds trust, strengthens communities, and ensures that reproductive rights and health are accessible to all, no matter their background.