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Ellen R. Shaffer, PhD, Center for Policy Analysis on Trade and Health (CPATH), 98 Seal Rock Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121-1437, 415-933-6204, ershaffer@cpath.org
This presentation will cover what’s at stake for social services and health in the United States as a result of the global economic agenda. Free trade agreements are intended to reduce the financial barriers to trade in foreign goods but have resulted in reduced government power to regulate health and safety; a weaker union movement; lower wages and greater unemployment; loss of health insurance and strain on our health care safety net. A critical issue is the impact of trade agreements on sustainable development. There are sharp inequalities in health and wealth among and within nations. Trade policies can advance greater equality through accountable, inclusive negotiations. Critics claim however that current policies encourage countries to compete in a “race to the bottom,” protecting corporations in such areas as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, while removing protections for health, the environment, and working conditions in both developed and developing countries. New trade rules are being negotiated right now that can affect our laws, regulations, labor rights and working conditions, and even our access to vital human services such as water and health care. Public health views should be represented in trade negotiations. Impact assessments of trade agreements on health and health care services should be conducted regularly, to assure that commercial interests do not undermine health priorities. Alternative approaches must be developed to advance universal access to vital human services, in the context of sustainable economic development.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to
Keywords: Environment, Sustainability
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.