Oral

The past twenty-five years have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of incarcerated women worldwide. While fewer women than men are incarcerated, the average annual rate of growth in the US female inmate population is 5.0% whereas the average increase for males is 3.3%. While the US locks up its citizens at a rate higher than that of the rest of the world, these trends in female incarceration are mirrored around the globe. This is particularly alarming given the negative impact of incarceration on health. This session presents four papers that address: 1) achieving dignity through gender specific policy reform to reduce “official” sexual abuse, 2) the question of feminist advocacy, 3) prison contraceptive services and reproductive health, and 4) special health needs among incarcerated women in Brazil. This session is organized by the APHA Committee on Women's Rights. Learn more about the Committee at http://www.apha.org/about/gov/cowr/.

Session Objectives: Describe demographic characteristics of women prisoners. Analyze women prisoners’ special health needs. Discuss advocacy for women prisoners.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing