Oral

This session examines the recognition of the need for, and availability of, accurate information regarding reproductive choices. The session will address information regarding abortion, and the presentation of information in the case of fetuses or newborns with a genetic condition resulting in a disability. The acknowledged need for such information, and the laws regarding sharing such information are often perceived differently by lawyers, community leaders and health care professionals. The goals, perceptions and attitudes of various members of these groups will be discussed in this session. Researchers from Mexico will share information from a survey of lawyers in Mexico. While the surveyed lawyers had limited information on the legal status of abortion in Mexico, many expressed a willingness to provide advocacy for women seeking abortions. Latinas in the US face specific barriers to abortion services in this country. The National Latin Institute for Reproductive Health assessed the ability of Latina immigrants to access abortion services in immigrant communities in Minnesota, Texas and New York and will present their findings. The third presentation will examine a federal law, passed in October of 2008, that represents the policy implementation concerns of both the reproductive rights community and the disability advocacy community. This law, the “Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act” aims to provide accurate, judgment-free information to those receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome, or other genetic conditions, either during pregnancy or after birth. Analysis of this law will presented by the Director of the Center for Ethics at Yeshiva University.

Session Objectives: 1) Identify strategies to enlist key community members and leaders in the dissemination of reproductive health information. 2) Describe barriers to accurate reproductive choice information and access to services in Mexico and the US. 3) Compare and contrast the activities of the reproductive rights community and the disability rights community in the identification and achievement of common goals.

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