Sex and drugs in the gene age: Promoting a reproductive justice and public health approach to policy

The use of new genetic and reproductive technologies is accelerating faster than public debate can keep up with, particularly among women's health and reproductive rights advocates. Technologies such as those that involve pre-pregnancy sex selection, de-selection of embryos based on perceived disability, and research cloning using hormonal stimulation to obtain fresh eggs from women, force us to reconsider traditional notions of “choice” and expand our understanding of health equity and health disparities. They also raise important policy questions about whether and how to regulate new biotechnologies. United States policy on these issues is minimal, with only a loose patchwork of federal and state laws. Professional organizations offer guidelines for their membership, but with no enforcement or repercussions for violations. Reproductive rights advocates working in the field of public health have an opportunity to promote a policy agenda informed by population-based public health principles and a reproductive justice framework. This presentation will describe the current state of policy regarding new genetic and reproductive technologies in the United States, make comparisons to other countries, and make policy recommendations based on reproductive justice and public health perspectives. ________________________________________