231533 Codifying the rights of pregnant women

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 10:42 AM - 10:54 AM

Lisa Pratt, BS, JD candidate , David A. Clarke School of Law, University of the District of Columbia, Springfield, VA
  
This presentation will focus on how current laws fall short of protecting the rights of pregnant women. The presenter argues for the need for a new civil rights statute to codify the rights of child bearing women. The unequal power positioning between a doctor and a woman, coupled with the relatively short duration of a pregnancy, create a prime opportunity for systemic abuse. Although pregnant woman can refuse treatment, they are often unaware of their rights and fearful of retaliation for not complying. Presenter will discuss procedures forced on pregnant women, the historical violation of pregnant women's rights, and examples of retaliatory practices against noncompliant women.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
1.) Describe ways in which hospitals infringe on the rights of women. 2.) Discuss the need for a civil rights statute for pregnant women.

Keywords: Law, Maternal Well-Being

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have completed my law degree with a focus on the intersection of the law and maternal and child health and have previous experience presenting on this topic not only for COWR but at other national meetings.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3096.0: Perinatal justice: Promoting the health and humanity of pregnant women