UC Riverside

This work investigates the socio-cultural and taxonomic dimensions of ethnobotanical practices that induce abortion through use of medicinal plants. This work takes place during a crucial period of social unrest that arose from a lack of reproductive health services and rights. This movement known as the Marea Verde (The Green Tide) is crucial since the spread of COVID19 increased child pregnancies, femicides, and domestic violence (Huerta, 2020; Espino & Morales, 2020; Murray & Moloney, 2020). My current investigation allows me the opportunity to improve the content we teach younger generations in Mexico and the US regarding transcultural reproductive health and the cultural and political acts of rebellion against current policy through ethnobotanical abortions. This research presents a three-chapter exploration into the landscape of ethnobotanical abortions, focusing on Indigenous Mexican and Mexican populations. The first chapter establishes a foundational understanding of abortifacients used in Mexico, addressing the gap in existing literature by integrating traditional knowledge with western research studies. Building upon these findings, the second chapter investigates the retention and adaptation of ethnobotanical practices among migrated populations from Michoacán now residing in California. In the third chapter, the socio-cultural dimensions of ethnobotanical abortions are further explored within the context of Michoacán. Despite changes in legislation, societal stigma and cultural norms continue to pose significant barriers and influence the practice of ethnobotanical abortions. Overall, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of ethnobotanical abortions in Mexico, highlighting the intersection of traditional practices, migration, and socio-cultural dynamics. By bridging gaps between traditional knowledge and western research, it offers insights into the complexities of reproductive health and gender dynamics in marginalized communities.