Oral

This session includes four papers focused on women’s health and access to care. Three of the presentations will focus specifically on women’s reproductive health with a discussion of The Reproductive Health Advocacy & Leadership Initiative in Malawi, the unique needs of women with epilepsy, and the impact of provider’s religious beliefs on doctor recommended female sterilization among low-income and less educated women. The final paper will address fundamental challenges to weight loss experience by women in underserved communities and addresses the importance of a supportive environment for lasting change.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe the impact of The Reproductive Health Advocacy & Leadership Initiative which is advancing women’s reproductive health in Malawi. 2. Examine how women with epilepsy make decisions about when, if, and how to become mothers. 3. Discuss fundamental challenges to weight loss experience by women in underserved communities. 4. Evaluate the impact of provider’s religious beliefs on doctor recommended female sterilization among low-income and less educated women.

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