The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64499

Lourdes A. Rivera, JD, National Health Law Program, 2639 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034, 310-204-6010, rivera@healthlaw.org

National policy developments have a direct impact on Latina reproductive and overall health access. These include implemented and proposed fiscal and legal changes to the Medicaid and SCHIP programs; ban on access to public programs by "unqualified" immigrants; funding for Title X family planning block grant; increased emphasis on abstinence-only education; and proposals to allow any and all types of health care entities to refuse to provide needed health care based on moral or religious objections. These and other policies converge on the local level and have a very real impact on access to health care, including health insurance, family planning, prenatal care, HIV/AIDS prevention, emergency contraception, and other reproductive health services. This presentation will discuss these and other national policy initiatives and how they affect Latina health care access. The presenter also will discuss strategies for maintaining comprehensive health care for Latinas.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
• 1. Identify national policy developments and initiatives that impact on Latina health access, including reproductive health.
• 2. Analyze how these developments can impact on Latina health access in local communities.
• 3. Identify national and local strategies to maintain comprehensive health care access.

Keywords: Latino Health, Reproductive Health

Related Web page: www.healthlaw.org/repro.shtml

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Not applicable
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.