Online Program

Oral

Collaborative session between the Medical Care Section, and the Population, Reproductive and Sexual Health Section, including the Abortion Task Force. Speakers will reflect on the nature of economic and social inequalities in New Orleans and Louisiana, as well as the region's cultural vibrancy; compare and contrast these with parallel trends in other regions and nationwide; and how these factors are reflected in advocacy campaigns both for and against reproductive rights and justice. Speakers will address the relationship of local and national debates on these issues. The session will present timely, topical comments on key issues of common concern regarding reproductive health care, and stimulate interactive participation. Public health research and policy demonstrate that population health outcomes are strongly related to social and economic justice and equality. The ability to control whether and when to have a child is key to the physical, social and economic health of women and families, and access to legal, safe and affordable birth control and abortion are essential to guarantee that ability. Since 2011, campaigns to restrict or eliminate access to reproductive health care services, including contraception and abortion, have proliferated in the U.S. Frequently these campaigns have been associated with policies known to exacerbate social and economic inequalities, including cutting income su benefits such Social Security and Medicare, opposing living wage ordinances and unionization, opposing rights for LGBTQ people, and voter suppression proposals that would limit civic participation by communities of color and low-income people. This session will present findings on the current state of reproductive health, rights and justice in the U.S., and on efforts to create united movements to defend and improve these at the levels of policy and politics. Panelists will comment on efforts to campaign against the Hyde amendment, that has blocked federal funding for abortions; organizing within religious communities; local campaigns, and lessons from the 2014 election; and invite comments from attendees.

Session Objectives: Describe the particular nature of inequalities in access to reproductive health care services in New Orleans and Louisiana. Discuss the role of access to safe, legal and affordable contraception and abortion care in advancing public health, including women's wellbeing and autonomy, and the stability of families and communities.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)