Access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion, is key to a person’s well-being. On June 24th, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey, which has implications for federally protected abortion access and state laws that are aimed at limiting abortion access.
The July session of Hot Topics in Practice will share why abortion access is a public health issue and how Washington state has addressed it through a public health framework.
During this one-hour webinar, Cynthia Harris and Rizza Cea with the Washington State Department of Health’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Program will share why and how the state approaches abortion access with a public health framework. Regardless of the Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade, access to abortion remains legal in Washington State. Washington state will continue to support reproductive health access and abortion access using a public health framework through current state laws and legislation. As other states pass stricter abortion laws that limit access, Washington state is strengthening their position and resources in efforts that center equity and reproductive justice.
The Washington State Department of Health’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Program receives state and federal funding to provide sexual and reproductive health services. Federal and state funding supports Title X services through 16 contractors across the state. Title X is a federal grant program dedicated to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services such as STI screening and treatment, contraception, and cancer screening. Focus populations are uninsured and underinsured, BIPOC, Hispanic, limited English proficiency, adolescents, and people who live in rural locations. Abortion services are not allowed under this grant, but Title X clinics are required to provide all options counseling including abortion, and Title X clinics can provide abortion services separate from this project. The Sexual and Reproductive Health Program supports access to abortion services with state funding.
Understand why abortion access is a public health issue and how your organization can better integrate this information into your work. Register today.
Abortion Access is Public Health
Date: July 26, 2022, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Intended Audiences
Local, state, and tribal public health practitioners
Presenters
Cynthia Harris (she/her)
Sexual and Reproductive Health Program Manager and Title X Project Director
Washington State Department of Health
Rizza Cea (she/her), DNP, MA, CNM, ARNP
Sexual and Reproductive Health Program Clinical Consultant and Title X Medical Director
Washington State Department of Health
About Hot Topics in Practice
Hot Topics in Practice is a monthly webinar forum to discuss issues affecting public health practice.
Up to 1 CPH recertification credit may be earned by viewing this webinar. Visit the National Board of Public Health Examiners to learn more.