Oral

The reproductive justice movement moves beyond the singular focus on abortion in the pro-choice movement and addresses social inequity through the lens of women’s overall human rights. Thus, reproductive rights become part of a larger social justice movement, including not only the right to not have a child, but also the right to have a child and to parent as we please in a society that is just. This session addresses the intersection of the law and reproductive justice with presenters from the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, National Women’s Law Center, National Advocates for Pregnant Women, and David A. Clarke School of Law. Legal advocates will provide an overview of the state laws restricting access to reproductive health services and of both the reproductive justice and human rights frameworks; discuss prosecutions of pregnant women, due to state feticide laws, VBAC bans, and restrictive licensing for home birth midwives; and address restrictions to health care access imposed by non-governmental entities.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe the reproductive justice and human rights frameworks and their application to current reproductive health issues; 2. Evaluate the impact of anti-abortion legislation and restrictive birthing laws on all pregnant women, including those going to term; 3. Discuss the threats to reproductive health care in state legislatures; 4. Identify the full range of services that are refused on the basis of religious and moral beliefs.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)