Reproductive access and choice deeply impact mental health. Individuals who experience reproductive oppression, such as those living in states where abortion is illegal and families impacted by the criminal justice and/or child welfare systems, are at a higher risk of experiencing perinatal mental health challenges.
Reproductive justice (RJ) is a social justice movement initiated in 1994 by many Black midwives, public health, and community activists, including Loretta J. Ross, Dr. Dázon Dixon Diallo, and Dr. Toni Bond. The movement emphasizes that all reproductive bodies deserve access to the care and resources to support their reproductive needs such as family planning, contraception, prenatal and postpartum care, paid family leave, and abortion. In addition to the right to choose to conceive, carry, or release a pregnancy, RJ entails the right to have and raise a baby in a safe and life-affirming environment with dignity and respect.
This 6 hour continuing education training will dive into the legal and ethical dilemmas related to reproductive justice that providers of perinatal mental health care confront in 2023. Through a trauma-informed lens, we will discuss the implications of social and political factors on birthing people and their mental health. Presentations will include an exploration of clinical documentation and legal mandates, considerations for supporting pregnant and postpartum people experiencing incarceration, and mental health impact of the overturn of Roe vs. Wade.
For further information and to register, click here.