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Abstract #160828
Audio (mp3) recordingLois Uttley, MPP and Reena E. Singh, MPA. MergerWatch Project, PO Box 540, JAF Station, New York, NY 10016, 212-261-4314, lois@mergerwatch.org
In their efforts to build broad-based partnerships for health care reform, major consumer health organizations have taken pains to include religious groups and religiously-sponsored health systems. But when such groups are at the table, women's reproductive health services are often eliminated. For example, a spokesman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops told the Families USA 2006 conference that the bishops would insist that universal health coverage not include abortion services. Moreover, a national alliance of 60 health organizations, including the Catholic Health Care West hospital chain, agreed to exclude reproductive health services from the alliance's public opinion research and strategic planning about how to win public support for universal health coverage.
With advocacy for universal health coverage increasing in states and at the national level, women's health organizations must move quickly and effectively to insist that reproductive services be included. This paper will examine the influence to date of conservative religious organizations and allied health systems on health care reform efforts at the state and national level. It will present examples of strategies that can be used to counter this influence, drawn from experiences in Massachusetts and other states that have considered health reform plans. The paper will examine the positive role that progressive religious organizations can play in advocating for health coverage that is truly universal, and includes women's health services. It will conclude with recommendations to women's health organizations about advocacy messages and strategies that can be adopted.
Learning Objectives: This presentation will enable participants to
- 1)identify the women's health and reproductive health services that should be included in proposed state or federal proposals for universal health care;
- recognize the potential threats to inclusion of these services when universal health coalitions include conservative or anti-choice religious groups; and 3)employ proven strategies and messages to successfully advocate for universal health coverage that includes women's health.
Keywords: Health Reform, Reproductive Health
Related Web page: www.mergerwatch.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.
The 135th APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 3-7, 2007) of APHA