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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Cynthia A. Pearson, National Women's Health Network, 514 Tenth Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20004, 202 347 1140, cpearson@womenshealthnetwork.org

This panel will focus on women's health issues that have recently been presented to women as their choice, or even their right, but that are arguably medically unsound or in other ways not as safe, as simple, or as "elective" as they are represented. Three speakers will address elective cesareans, menstruation and the new menstrual suppression birth control pills and breast enlargement with implants. Each issue will be considered thoroughly, with special attention to evidence not typically addressed in public discussions. The panel as a whole will spark discussion about whether or not “choice” is possible when information is incomplete, inaccessible or misrepresented.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this panel, participants will be able to
• Discuss the influence of marketing campaigns on the perception of women's right to choose specific medical products and procedures
• Identify the necessary components of informed consent

Keywords: Women's Health, Feminist Bioethics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Silicone gel-filled breast implants will be discussed. They are currently under investigation for use in breast augmentation.

Any relevant financial relationships? No