Oral

The US –Mexico border population is a diverse mix of Hispanics of Mexican descent, recent immigrants and some illegal immigrants. This session will focus on providing reproductive health services to residents in this area. The panel starts off discussing HIV and STI prevalence along the border. An epidemiological study of HIV and STI prevalence will be presented accompanied by a discussion of how to use the results for advocacy. The second panelist will explore the phenomenon of women crossing the border to Texas and Mexico to access abortion services. Their experiences will be shared to increase understanding of abortion services on both sides of the border. The majority of the Hispanics living on the border consider the Mexican Consulate a trusted source. The next presentation will describe a pilot outreach, information and referral program to increase access to general health information through the Consulate. The final presentation will discuss women’s motivations for purchasing oral contraceptives on either side of the border. The relationship between procurement location and women’s knowledge of oral contraceptives will be discussed.

Session Objectives: 1. Analyze data and disseminate information in support of health sector efforts to reduce HIV and STI on the US Mexico border 2. Understand policy and program implications for abortion services on both sides of the border 3. Recognize the need to use non-traditional platforms to provide reproductive health services to vulnerable populations 4. Identify information and cultural beliefs affecting contraceptive decision-making by Mexican-origin women on the US-Mexico border

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