Setting the Agenda: Latina/x Tri-Generational Family Communication About Reproductive and Sexual Health Toward Wellbeing

ABSTRACT The family is an important site of information, communication, and advocacy regarding sexual and reproductive health behaviors, particularly for individuals assigned female at birth (Byers, 2011). For Latina women, the health messages received from family members may be especially meaningful. This essay explores tri- and multi-generational family communication among Latina women, centering on the communication that transpires among different female generations regarding reproductive and sexual health topics. We call attention to the importance of further exploring if and how transparency, honesty, and non-judgment conversations can provide a culture of mutual respect and openness among women within the Latinx community as they attempt to negotiate their sexual behavior. We call on family communication scholars, especially those of Latinx descent, to consider how their work can contribute to setting an agenda for this important culture and topic, and we recommend specific research areas to investigate sexual and reproductive health communication in Latinx families.