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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Robyn Schryer Fehrman, MPA, Kirsten Sherk, MPH, and Cynthia Greenlee-Donnell, MA. U.S. Program, Ipas, 300 Market Street, Suite 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, 919-960-5543, schryerr@ipas.org

Ipas has developed a model for building state-level Latino sexual and reproductive rights advocate networks. Components of this model include: (1) collecting and disseminating immigrant Latinas' personal reproductive health stories (2) building advocacy capacity within community-based organizations that serve North Carolina's Latino communities; and (3) training media to increase their understanding and coverage of sexual and reproductive rights issues. In 2005, Ipas conducted a qualitative assessment of Latina access to sexual and reproductive health care information and services in five NC counties. Findings of this qualitative assessment included: (1) Latinos address their health needs using formal and informal systems, including self-medication and the services of traditional healers; (2) contraceptive use depends on cost, availability, education and cultural norms; (3) clandestine abortions occur in North Carolina, despite perceptions that Latinas prefer to maintain unintended pregnancies; and (4) barriers to formal care include transportation, language, lack of knowledge and cultural norms. Based on this assessment, Ipas developed a program model for U.S. audiences, which utilizes a human rights framework and builds on effective internationally developed tools. The success of this model relies on working in partnership with progressive organizations throughout the state.

Learning Objectives: