Recorded presentation

Stacie Geller, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (MC 808), University of Illinois, College of Medicine, 820 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612 and Trude Bennett, DrPH, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Rosenau Hall, CB #7445, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7445, 919-966-2017, trude_bennett@unc.edu.

Traditionally women's health has been defined as maternal health, singularly related to a woman's ability to reproduce. Current MCH leaders who were active in or influenced by the women's health movement have challenged the artificial dualities opposing women and children, obstetrics-gynecology and pediatrics, and women's versus reproductive health. The women's health research paradigm has logically moved towards life course and intergenerational perspectives. There is a need to move beyond current definitions of women's health that have traditionally limited the questions we ask, the answers we receive, and the strategies we employ. In recent years the broadening of the global concept of "reproductive health" and the new focus on "sexual health" have influenced women's health practitioners and researchers in the US. However, political controversies over abortion and sexuality are just as strong in the US as in many developing countries. Debates about medical versus social strategies to improve women's health and reduce mortality are equally contentious in the US as internationally. Implications for research need to be explored. Criteria should be developed to set research priorities consistent with emerging frameworks, relevant to current needs and future risks, and supportive of women's reproductive and non-reproductive health and general well-being. This presentation will focus on presenting definitions and frameworks for defining women’s health as well as new topics for promoting a broadly defined women's health research agenda.

Learning Objectives:

• to present definitions and frameworks for defining women’s health as well as new topics for promoting a broadly defined women's health research agenda.

Keywords: Women's Health, Research Agenda

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation