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

Abstract #71127

Mia Luluquisen, DrPH, MPH, RN, Board Member Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center, National Women's Health Network board of directors, 3871 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611, 510-684-6991, Esminia@aol.com and Charon Asetoyer, MA, Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center, P.O. Box 572, Lake Andes, SD 57356.

Prior to the colonization of indigenous peoples of North America, the women practiced a complex set of health care practices to ensure their overall and reproductive health. The onslaught and persistence of oppressive U.S. federal policies affected not only the social fabric and the health of Native American peoples, but women's health on the whole deteriorated. Many of the factors that contribute to the current health disparities in Native American women are social and economic in addition to the limited access to health care. The Indian Health Service (IHS), a U.S. Department of Health and Social Services agency, is the primary health care provider for Native American peoples in the U.S. However, there are numerous barriers to obtaining reproductive health care services through the IHS despite mandated federal policies. For example, the IHS limits contraceptive choices to Norplant, Depo-Provera and oral contraceptives; the alternative is sterilization. Moreover, the Hyde Amendment allows for abortion services under three cases: rape, incest and life endangerment to the mother. In a survey by the Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center in 2002 of IHS facilities across the country, the actual practice of providing abortion services were inconsistently applied. This presentation will describe the national and international advocacy and policy efforts to ensure Native American women's reproductive health rights. We will illustrate community health education strategies, working with IHS on their policies and practices, and using a human rights framework in the policy arena.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:
• Describe the social and historical context of Native American women's self-determination in reproductive health practices and health care
• Describe the health disparities and some contributing factors in Native American women's health
• Understand the role, functions and responsibilities of the Indian Health Service for providing reproductive health services to Native American women
• Describe the advocacy and policy efforts among Native American women to ensure their reproductive health rights

Keywords: Reproductive Health, Native Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.