We will now examine the reproductive rights of women of Iraq. Before looking at the reproductive rights we should first understand women’s rights in general in this country. Women in Middle Eastern countries have more restrictions against them than women in many other parts of the world. The government’s laws are forbidden to go against the established rulings of Islam. Because the government and laws are constructed around the Islamic religion they tend to be very strict for women. Women have less freedom than men in Iraq which negatively impacts women's legal status in the labor code, criminal justice system, personal status, and mobility. Along with fewer freedoms, Iraqi women have limited access to priority reproductive health services.
In Iraq abortion is illegal and considered taboo. Because of this law people have been forced to practice “home abortions” or seek help from illegal abortionist. This is a very dangerous procedure when it is not done professionally. Many women are using these abortions to escape death by an honor killing.
The International Planned Parenthood Federation advocates reproductive rights and health all over the world. In Iraq this organization is hoping to:
-- create a favorable climate for family planning
-- improve quality of care for safe motherhood and child health
-- provide family planning education for women
-- provide infertility treatment
Family planning and contraception is a key point when discussing reproductive rights. In Iraq a national policy regarding access to contraception has been assured since 1993. Although contraception in Iraq is available, the rates in which women use the contraception are not very high. The contraceptive rate was only 32% in 2000. Being a country that is currently a war zone it is difficult to keep up the funds and research regarding family planning.
Reflection Questions:
Do you think it is right to go against the Iraqi culture to grant more reproductive rights for women?
Do you think legalizing abortion in Iraq would make a change in the role or status of women?
References:
http://www.hrw.org/legacy/backgrounder/wrd/iraq-women.htm
http://womensrights.change.org/blog/view/womens_rights_in_iraq_decreasing_by_the_day
http://www.ippf.org/en/Where/iq.htm
www.unfpa.org/rh/docs/iraq-rept04-08-03.doc
Posted by: Kayla Guelli
Group: Justi, Alicia, Rory, Kayla, and Bri
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Reproductive Rights in France
Accessibility to birth control options are greatly offered for woman living in France. During the year of 1965, woman fought the nation’s ban on birth control. Since then, birth control still remains accessible to every woman in France for free.
Most European countries, including France, have legalized abortion since 1955. The procedure is free once approved by two NHS (National Health System) doctors. The law states that a woman’s pregnancy may be terminated up to 24 weeks under the agreement that: it may put the life of the mother at risk, and poses mental and physical risks to the mother and the fetus [1]. Because this procedure is so readily available and costs next to nothing, this may be the reason why Europe has the highest abortion rates in the world.
To help educate French woman about such services and their legal rights, the UK government teams up with organizations such as “bpas” (http://www.bpas.org/index.php) and “brook” (http://www.brook.org.uk/index.php) to create informational websites. A copious amount of information is posted in regards to STD’s, pregnancy, contraceptive options, abortion options, etc. They also list contact information such as telephone numbers, consultation centers, clinics, etc, encouraging females through a supportive system.
In 2006, The Washington Post wrote an article entitled: “As Europe Grows Grayer, France Devises a Baby Boom.” This article was based upon the fertility rate of woman in France and how it is now increasing due to the Active Family Policy that is encouraged by the UK. “The French government wants to encourage bigger families and make it easier for woman to keep their jobs while raising children [2].”
So, this new law now provides maternity leave benefits, tax credits, and other incentives for families who have three children. “During a year-long leave after the birth of the third child, mothers will receive $960 a month from the government, twice the allowance for the second child [2].” The “help” that each family receives is according to their annual income rates- “providing low-income families the most help. Higher-income families also receive substantial benefits so that only a fraction of a working mother's salary goes to child-care costs [2].” Not only do woman receive these benefits but they are also allowed the option to work part time or not at all, until her child is three years old. And, she will also be guaranteed her previous full-time job when she returns to work.
“From next July (2007), the social security payment to mothers with a third child will rise from €512 ($618) a month over three years, to €750 a month for one year (although mothers can opt for the three-year rate). Offering a higher payment over a shorter time period is expected to encourage women to leave the workforce to have another child [3].”
So although every woman in France has the choice NOT to become pregnant, the UK is actually enforcing the productivity of more children to guarantee a full replacement generation. But what took so long for the delayed entry into parenthood? One prediction may be due to the fact that since the 1970’s there was a significant increase in the amount of woman working, and most social policies of the government helped woman to remain in the work force. Other predictions such as delay in fertility, decline in marriage, increased birth control, and greater economic uncertainty may be contributing factors to the reason why reproductive rates were so low. “Now, France has the second-highest fertility rate in Europe: 1.94 children born per woman, exceeded slightly by Ireland's rate of 1.99. The U.S. fertility rate is 2.01 children [2].”
[1] http://www.btinternet.com/~DEvans_23/legislat.htm
[2] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/17/AR2006101701652.html
[3] http://cara.typepad.com/reproductive_rights_blog/2005/10/france_wants_mo.html
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you feel about the benefits mothers receive while on maternity leave?
2. If you lived in France, would you subside to the Active Family Policy?
3. Can you think of any other reasons for the delayed entry into parenthood?
posted by: Alicia Mamula
Most European countries, including France, have legalized abortion since 1955. The procedure is free once approved by two NHS (National Health System) doctors. The law states that a woman’s pregnancy may be terminated up to 24 weeks under the agreement that: it may put the life of the mother at risk, and poses mental and physical risks to the mother and the fetus [1]. Because this procedure is so readily available and costs next to nothing, this may be the reason why Europe has the highest abortion rates in the world.
To help educate French woman about such services and their legal rights, the UK government teams up with organizations such as “bpas” (http://www.bpas.org/index.php) and “brook” (http://www.brook.org.uk/index.php) to create informational websites. A copious amount of information is posted in regards to STD’s, pregnancy, contraceptive options, abortion options, etc. They also list contact information such as telephone numbers, consultation centers, clinics, etc, encouraging females through a supportive system.
In 2006, The Washington Post wrote an article entitled: “As Europe Grows Grayer, France Devises a Baby Boom.” This article was based upon the fertility rate of woman in France and how it is now increasing due to the Active Family Policy that is encouraged by the UK. “The French government wants to encourage bigger families and make it easier for woman to keep their jobs while raising children [2].”
So, this new law now provides maternity leave benefits, tax credits, and other incentives for families who have three children. “During a year-long leave after the birth of the third child, mothers will receive $960 a month from the government, twice the allowance for the second child [2].” The “help” that each family receives is according to their annual income rates- “providing low-income families the most help. Higher-income families also receive substantial benefits so that only a fraction of a working mother's salary goes to child-care costs [2].” Not only do woman receive these benefits but they are also allowed the option to work part time or not at all, until her child is three years old. And, she will also be guaranteed her previous full-time job when she returns to work.
“From next July (2007), the social security payment to mothers with a third child will rise from €512 ($618) a month over three years, to €750 a month for one year (although mothers can opt for the three-year rate). Offering a higher payment over a shorter time period is expected to encourage women to leave the workforce to have another child [3].”
So although every woman in France has the choice NOT to become pregnant, the UK is actually enforcing the productivity of more children to guarantee a full replacement generation. But what took so long for the delayed entry into parenthood? One prediction may be due to the fact that since the 1970’s there was a significant increase in the amount of woman working, and most social policies of the government helped woman to remain in the work force. Other predictions such as delay in fertility, decline in marriage, increased birth control, and greater economic uncertainty may be contributing factors to the reason why reproductive rates were so low. “Now, France has the second-highest fertility rate in Europe: 1.94 children born per woman, exceeded slightly by Ireland's rate of 1.99. The U.S. fertility rate is 2.01 children [2].”
[1] http://www.btinternet.com/~DEvans_23/legislat.htm
[2] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/17/AR2006101701652.html
[3] http://cara.typepad.com/reproductive_rights_blog/2005/10/france_wants_mo.html
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you feel about the benefits mothers receive while on maternity leave?
2. If you lived in France, would you subside to the Active Family Policy?
3. Can you think of any other reasons for the delayed entry into parenthood?
posted by: Alicia Mamula
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Reproductive Rights in Rwanda
There is a lot of change that is currently going on in Rwanda concerning reproductive rights. With a population growth rate of 2.8% Rwanda continues to be the most densely populated country in Africa, which leads to the cycle of poverty, poor health, nutrition, and education that this country has seen for so many years. In 2009 a draft bill was passed in an attempt to lower the birth rate and to change some things regarding reproductive rights. When senators got a look at this bill however, they were shocked at how poorly it had been written and sent it back saying more work needed to be put into the laws. As of right now, sterilization of the mentally and intellectually disabled, compulsory HIV/AIDS testing, and abortion are under heavy debate.
Despite the fact that the Rwandan Constitution gives equal rights to all, article 22 of the new reproductive rights bill states that “the Government shall have the obligation to suspend fertility for mentally handicapped people.” This means if you are mentally ill or have other illnesses the government sees as a handicap, the government has the right to make you sterile. As advocates stated, the bill is not only a HUGE breach of human rights, but it also doesn’t take into account that mental illness and other handicaps are not necessarily hereditary. Also the bill does not state what “other handicaps” mean, so how much power is the government really taking over women by passing this law?
Rwanda, like many countries in Africa, has a large population of people infected with HIV/AIDS, in 2007 this population was 150,000. While they have been implementing programs to give antiretroviral drugs and preventative treatments the bill seems to be undermining all of this. Articles 13 and 17 of the new bill discuss topics on HIV/AIDS that several people have found conflicting. While testing for this illness is something health professionals have stressed as an important tool for prevention and awareness, the bill states that all people looking to get married must get tested before hand and must show the results to their future spouse. It also states that if a doctor feels the need to test a child and they test positive they must tell a parent or care giver. While both of these may seem like an obvious choice, having the government take away the voluntariness and the confidentiality of HIV/AIDS patients is yet again seen as a break of human and reproductive rights.
The final topic under debate is Abortion, which is currently illegal in Rwanda. Article 28 however sets up the first positive part of this bill. It states that “Voluntary abortion as one of contraceptive measures shall be prohibited.” It goes on however to say that it must be approved by three doctors and can only be implemented if the pregnancy “may has a serious impact on the mother’s life.” Since pregnancy always has a serious impact on any woman’s life, it seems that the only struggle to this bill would be the three doctors part. If lawmakers could edit this, it would seem clear that legal abortion might be on the table for Rwanda.
Anyone looking at this bill from a feminist perspective would most likely explode with frustration. Since Rwanda has such a high birth rate and such devastating poverty it is clear that some action must be made. This bill however, seems to be taking steps backwards on both reproductive and human rights. While giving woman the choice of an abortion seems like a move in the right direction, taking away mentally and intellectually disabled woman’s right to have children seems like a polar opposite. We can only hope that by the senate giving the bill back, drastic changes will be made to protect women's reproductive rights.
Questions to consider:
What is your opinion on sterilization based on mental illness or intellectual disabilities?
Do you feel HIV/AIDS testing should be mandatory given how prevalent it is in this population?
What are some changes that could be made to the bill that would HELP enhance women’s reproductive rights in Rwanda?
Do you think there are any other laws that could be added to protect reproductive rights?
References:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200906231226.html
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/global?page=cr09-rw-00
Posted by Rory Sheble-Hall
Despite the fact that the Rwandan Constitution gives equal rights to all, article 22 of the new reproductive rights bill states that “the Government shall have the obligation to suspend fertility for mentally handicapped people.” This means if you are mentally ill or have other illnesses the government sees as a handicap, the government has the right to make you sterile. As advocates stated, the bill is not only a HUGE breach of human rights, but it also doesn’t take into account that mental illness and other handicaps are not necessarily hereditary. Also the bill does not state what “other handicaps” mean, so how much power is the government really taking over women by passing this law?
Rwanda, like many countries in Africa, has a large population of people infected with HIV/AIDS, in 2007 this population was 150,000. While they have been implementing programs to give antiretroviral drugs and preventative treatments the bill seems to be undermining all of this. Articles 13 and 17 of the new bill discuss topics on HIV/AIDS that several people have found conflicting. While testing for this illness is something health professionals have stressed as an important tool for prevention and awareness, the bill states that all people looking to get married must get tested before hand and must show the results to their future spouse. It also states that if a doctor feels the need to test a child and they test positive they must tell a parent or care giver. While both of these may seem like an obvious choice, having the government take away the voluntariness and the confidentiality of HIV/AIDS patients is yet again seen as a break of human and reproductive rights.
The final topic under debate is Abortion, which is currently illegal in Rwanda. Article 28 however sets up the first positive part of this bill. It states that “Voluntary abortion as one of contraceptive measures shall be prohibited.” It goes on however to say that it must be approved by three doctors and can only be implemented if the pregnancy “may has a serious impact on the mother’s life.” Since pregnancy always has a serious impact on any woman’s life, it seems that the only struggle to this bill would be the three doctors part. If lawmakers could edit this, it would seem clear that legal abortion might be on the table for Rwanda.
Anyone looking at this bill from a feminist perspective would most likely explode with frustration. Since Rwanda has such a high birth rate and such devastating poverty it is clear that some action must be made. This bill however, seems to be taking steps backwards on both reproductive and human rights. While giving woman the choice of an abortion seems like a move in the right direction, taking away mentally and intellectually disabled woman’s right to have children seems like a polar opposite. We can only hope that by the senate giving the bill back, drastic changes will be made to protect women's reproductive rights.
Questions to consider:
What is your opinion on sterilization based on mental illness or intellectual disabilities?
Do you feel HIV/AIDS testing should be mandatory given how prevalent it is in this population?
What are some changes that could be made to the bill that would HELP enhance women’s reproductive rights in Rwanda?
Do you think there are any other laws that could be added to protect reproductive rights?
References:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200906231226.html
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/global?page=cr09-rw-00
Posted by Rory Sheble-Hall
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Reproductive Rights in Mexico
In the last blog, we managed to get an eye-opening account of the reproductive rights of women in the United States. Today, we shall look sociologically at Mexico's accessibility and policy surrounding contraceptions. Because of the ongoing issues around Mexican immigrants, our group found it would be interesting to consider whether the reproductive rights or lack there of, could possibly be another one of the reasons for this migration. Please think about this information critically and use a culturally comparative lens to form your opinions.
Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, with a population of 107 million. Despite gradually lowering its birth rate, it is the second most populous nation in Latin America (Brazil is the first). The population of Mexico has tripled since the 1950s and is now expected to double in 32 years. The socio-economic gap between the rich and poor remains wide and is worsening.
Although there have been some successes in recent years to raise the status of the poor, and particularly poor, marginalized, and indigenous women, much more needs to be done. Contraception is a critical need.
Mexfam, Fundación Mexicana para la Planificación, the country's leading private family planning and reproductive health provider, reports that 44% of married women of reproductive age in rural areas use some kind of contraceptive. A government report in 1995 stated that 66.5% of women of child-bearing age who lived with their partner used some method of family planning Sterilization is the most common method (43.3%), followed by the IUD (17.7%), oral contraceptives (15.3%), injectables, and traditional methods. Although the percentage of women in Mexico who have unmet need for contraception (those who wish to avoid pregnancy but are not using contraception) decreased from 25% in 1987 to 12% in 1997, there remains striking disparities across geographic areas. More than 20 % of rural women had unmet need for contraception in 1997, as compared to 9% of urban women. The use of contraceptive methods is more common among women with higher educational levels and who reside in urban areas. There is also greater spacing between pregnancies among women who live in urban areas.
The 1997 "Women's Reproductive Rights in Mexico: A Shadow Report" , prepared by the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City and Grupo de Información en Reproducción (Information Group on Reproductive Choice) in Mexico City, indicates that information about reproductive health is not always accessible to those within the health system. The report referred to The National Survey on Family Planning of 1995, which revealed that after giving birth, 22% of women who had not wanted their last pregnancy and who did not want another child at the time of the interview, were still not using any method of contraception. A further 15% had never practiced any fertility control. When these 37% of women were asked why they did not use any form of contraception, they cited lack of information regarding what different birth control options were available, how to use them, and to a lesser extent, how to obtain them.
An enormous concern raised by the shadow report is the significant disparity between supply and demand for contraception within the Mexican public health system. Mexico's economic crisis has deepened this disparity and the government is currently unable to meet the growing demand, even with the help of international bodies. This is a grim finding.
Mexico is a society grappling with social upheaval and demands for policies that will raise the status of women and end the massive discrimination seen in many sectors. Quality health services, reproductive rights, education, illiteracy, jobs, housing, domestic violence, rape and other sexual crimes, medically accurate sexuality education, sexual harassment, maternity leave, and other employment rights during pregnancy are all key issues needing serious attention. On April 24th 2007, Mexico City decriminalized abortion in the first trimester, paving the way for the establishment of quality and respectful abortion care for the women of Mexico. We can only hope that this incredible victory for women's lives and rights will have an effect on the many other core issues that women need to have addressed so that they may live in dignity—and in equality with men.
Links to more information and individual stories:
~Justi
Posted by:
Justi, Rory, Alicia, Bri, and Kayla
Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, with a population of 107 million. Despite gradually lowering its birth rate, it is the second most populous nation in Latin America (Brazil is the first). The population of Mexico has tripled since the 1950s and is now expected to double in 32 years. The socio-economic gap between the rich and poor remains wide and is worsening.
Although there have been some successes in recent years to raise the status of the poor, and particularly poor, marginalized, and indigenous women, much more needs to be done. Contraception is a critical need.
Mexfam, Fundación Mexicana para la Planificación, the country's leading private family planning and reproductive health provider, reports that 44% of married women of reproductive age in rural areas use some kind of contraceptive. A government report in 1995 stated that 66.5% of women of child-bearing age who lived with their partner used some method of family planning Sterilization is the most common method (43.3%), followed by the IUD (17.7%), oral contraceptives (15.3%), injectables, and traditional methods. Although the percentage of women in Mexico who have unmet need for contraception (those who wish to avoid pregnancy but are not using contraception) decreased from 25% in 1987 to 12% in 1997, there remains striking disparities across geographic areas. More than 20 % of rural women had unmet need for contraception in 1997, as compared to 9% of urban women. The use of contraceptive methods is more common among women with higher educational levels and who reside in urban areas. There is also greater spacing between pregnancies among women who live in urban areas.
The 1997 "Women's Reproductive Rights in Mexico: A Shadow Report" , prepared by the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City and Grupo de Información en Reproducción (Information Group on Reproductive Choice) in Mexico City, indicates that information about reproductive health is not always accessible to those within the health system. The report referred to The National Survey on Family Planning of 1995, which revealed that after giving birth, 22% of women who had not wanted their last pregnancy and who did not want another child at the time of the interview, were still not using any method of contraception. A further 15% had never practiced any fertility control. When these 37% of women were asked why they did not use any form of contraception, they cited lack of information regarding what different birth control options were available, how to use them, and to a lesser extent, how to obtain them.
An enormous concern raised by the shadow report is the significant disparity between supply and demand for contraception within the Mexican public health system. Mexico's economic crisis has deepened this disparity and the government is currently unable to meet the growing demand, even with the help of international bodies. This is a grim finding.
Mexico is a society grappling with social upheaval and demands for policies that will raise the status of women and end the massive discrimination seen in many sectors. Quality health services, reproductive rights, education, illiteracy, jobs, housing, domestic violence, rape and other sexual crimes, medically accurate sexuality education, sexual harassment, maternity leave, and other employment rights during pregnancy are all key issues needing serious attention. On April 24th 2007, Mexico City decriminalized abortion in the first trimester, paving the way for the establishment of quality and respectful abortion care for the women of Mexico. We can only hope that this incredible victory for women's lives and rights will have an effect on the many other core issues that women need to have addressed so that they may live in dignity—and in equality with men.
Links to more information and individual stories:
Questions to Consider:
- What are the differences between U.S government policy regarding reproductive rights and Mexico's?
- Who does have the power to decide in Mexico? Who should?
- What are your thoughts on Mexico recieving international aid for the betterment of programs that support family planning and female empowerment?
- How do you think the growing population (which has tripled since 1950) effects Mexico on a sociological scale?
- Do you see any connection between the increasing poverty level and the quantity and quality of reproductive information and accessibility?
~Justi
Posted by:
Justi, Rory, Alicia, Bri, and Kayla
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Reproductive Rights in the USA
Out of the roughly 4 million births which were reported in the 2006 US Census;
-more than a one fourth were to unmarried women.
-almost 30% were to women under the age of 25.
-roughly one fourth were to women living below the poverty level.
-women living under the poverty level have a fertility level twice as high as those living at 200% of the poverty level.
There are many aspects to consider when it comes to reproductive rights in the United States. These include; birth control, emergency contraception, and abortion. When looking at any of these issues through the lens of feminist theory, the main connections are the ideas of power and responsibility (both financial and emotional)
Birth Control:
Birth control is available in multiple forms throughout the US. Medicaid is the US health care system provided to those living below the poverty line. Considering the high fertility rate among this population, I would like to consider how Medicaid deals with this issue. In every state, Medicaid plans include provisions for prescription birth control, while only some states include provisions for other forms, including over the counter supplies such as condoms. Prescription birth control pills must be taken everyday by a woman. The woman also must visit a doctor to obtain the prescription. Whatever cost is not covered by Medicaid will also fall to the woman. Most forms of birth control, including condoms, are expensive. By providing only for prescription birth control pills, Medicaid puts the burden of responsibility onto women, instead of men.
Emergency Contraception and Abortion:
While laws and policies differ from state to state, the majority of states have some type of policy which takes the decision to use emergency contraception away from the women, and puts it into the hands of doctors, pharmacists, and the government. When a woman makes the decision to request emergency contraception, numerous states leave it up to the doctors to decide weather or not to prescribe it, based on their own beliefs. Even if the doctor does decide to provide the prescription, many states also allow the pharmacist to decide weather or not they will then fill this prescription. In at least one state, doctors are even allowed to refuse emergency contraception to women who have been victim to sexual assault.
The issues surrounding abortion are very similar to those surrounding emergency contraception. While all of the responsibility for the pregnancy and life of a child will fall to the women, in many places, the decision is not left up to her, or at least not her alone. There is also a huge emotional and psychological burden involved in making the decision to use emergency contraception or to abort. When a woman has made the decision to seek either option, they still might have the power for making that decision stripped from them.
Reflection Questions:
Why do you believe that women are often expected to be responsible for birth control?
Should the federal or state government play a part in reproductive rights?
For more information, including state-by-state policies on abortion and emergency contraception, visit http://www.guttmacher.org/
Posted by Bri Connolly
-more than a one fourth were to unmarried women.
-almost 30% were to women under the age of 25.
-roughly one fourth were to women living below the poverty level.
-women living under the poverty level have a fertility level twice as high as those living at 200% of the poverty level.
There are many aspects to consider when it comes to reproductive rights in the United States. These include; birth control, emergency contraception, and abortion. When looking at any of these issues through the lens of feminist theory, the main connections are the ideas of power and responsibility (both financial and emotional)
Birth Control:
Birth control is available in multiple forms throughout the US. Medicaid is the US health care system provided to those living below the poverty line. Considering the high fertility rate among this population, I would like to consider how Medicaid deals with this issue. In every state, Medicaid plans include provisions for prescription birth control, while only some states include provisions for other forms, including over the counter supplies such as condoms. Prescription birth control pills must be taken everyday by a woman. The woman also must visit a doctor to obtain the prescription. Whatever cost is not covered by Medicaid will also fall to the woman. Most forms of birth control, including condoms, are expensive. By providing only for prescription birth control pills, Medicaid puts the burden of responsibility onto women, instead of men.
Emergency Contraception and Abortion:
While laws and policies differ from state to state, the majority of states have some type of policy which takes the decision to use emergency contraception away from the women, and puts it into the hands of doctors, pharmacists, and the government. When a woman makes the decision to request emergency contraception, numerous states leave it up to the doctors to decide weather or not to prescribe it, based on their own beliefs. Even if the doctor does decide to provide the prescription, many states also allow the pharmacist to decide weather or not they will then fill this prescription. In at least one state, doctors are even allowed to refuse emergency contraception to women who have been victim to sexual assault.
The issues surrounding abortion are very similar to those surrounding emergency contraception. While all of the responsibility for the pregnancy and life of a child will fall to the women, in many places, the decision is not left up to her, or at least not her alone. There is also a huge emotional and psychological burden involved in making the decision to use emergency contraception or to abort. When a woman has made the decision to seek either option, they still might have the power for making that decision stripped from them.
Reflection Questions:
Why do you believe that women are often expected to be responsible for birth control?
Should the federal or state government play a part in reproductive rights?
For more information, including state-by-state policies on abortion and emergency contraception, visit http://www.guttmacher.org/
Posted by Bri Connolly
Monday, April 12, 2010
Cross Cultural Reproductive Rights
Reproductive rights vary throughout different countries. In this weeks blog we will look cross culturally at accessibilities to contraception, education, population statistics, and abortion rights. Each day we will be focusing on a different countries perspective through a micro and macro sociological lens.
Using Feminist Theory we will critically analyze the laws and views of America, Mexico, Rwanda, France, and Iraq. It is important to look at reproductive rights cross culturally because they are an essential women’s right and it is imperative to advocate for one another. Educating ourselves on this topic empowers us to make change on a national level as well as a personal level.
Questions:
What are some views you have on this topic already?
What opinions do you hold?
What factual information do you know?
Do you think it is beneficial to look cross culturally? Why?
Posted by: Rory, Alicia, Justi, Bri, and Kayla
Using Feminist Theory we will critically analyze the laws and views of America, Mexico, Rwanda, France, and Iraq. It is important to look at reproductive rights cross culturally because they are an essential women’s right and it is imperative to advocate for one another. Educating ourselves on this topic empowers us to make change on a national level as well as a personal level.
Questions:
What are some views you have on this topic already?
What opinions do you hold?
What factual information do you know?
Do you think it is beneficial to look cross culturally? Why?
Posted by: Rory, Alicia, Justi, Bri, and Kayla
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Closing on Substance Abuse and on Teens
Overall Substance Abuse, mainly effects from the family life cycle. There is a belief that this issue will enter the picture again for across generations. It seems to be parent(s) fits in the middle for being “more responsibilities” for their child’s future. Parent(s) needs to help their teen child grow into “normal” adulthood by preventing substance abuse. Grandparent(s) won’t be able to take on this role because they often given up their family. Parent(s) might find it hard to believe how much grandparents are a big part of their deep personal lives. They need to set certain limits for substance abusers in families’ situation or it will create extra family feud problems. These parent(s) might not have anyone to turn to due to money crisis and stress management skills. Including with that, many parent(s) will feel a lot of pressure raising their children with substance problems, so often think it is okay for the grandparent(s) raise them. But in reality, parents don’t trust grandparent(s) raising the child well. It’s all about giving and hoping for second chance for families. We hope that parent(s)/grandparent(s) believe in their selves by proving to raise their children/grandchildren well.
Teens-
This generation for teens has been causing of the riot for alcohol abuse. For the teens that are at risk shows from substance abuse family history, low self-esteem, and mainly don’t fit in a “certain” group. Since alcohol is our most invasive drug and teens have easier way to access it. Usually, adolescent teens have the attraction to go to college parties where their older “friends” gathered together. Another easier way could be finding it at home while their parents are at work. Not all parents realize their children are drinking behind their back and it attempts teens to drink more. Parents’ can help prevent their children from using drugs by talking about the consequences and the effects for their future. Parents can use tools to find signs of teenage alcohol abuse.
Physical: Red and glazed eyes.
Emotional: Depression, low-esteem, mood changes, or irresponsible behavior.
Family: Breaking rules or starting arguments.
School: Grades dropping, disrespecting faulty or skipping classes/school days.
All of this will reflects from new friends who will take your child into the wrong paths without realizing it. Also, one of the statistics proven that each year more than 10,000 young people in the United States are killed and 40,000 injured in alcohol-related automobile accidents.
Few questions:
1) Do you think the numbers will increase or drop?
2) How can families be more of aware of this situation?
3) Do you think the media also creates bad messages for alcohol substance?
Posted by Donna L.
Teens-
This generation for teens has been causing of the riot for alcohol abuse. For the teens that are at risk shows from substance abuse family history, low self-esteem, and mainly don’t fit in a “certain” group. Since alcohol is our most invasive drug and teens have easier way to access it. Usually, adolescent teens have the attraction to go to college parties where their older “friends” gathered together. Another easier way could be finding it at home while their parents are at work. Not all parents realize their children are drinking behind their back and it attempts teens to drink more. Parents’ can help prevent their children from using drugs by talking about the consequences and the effects for their future. Parents can use tools to find signs of teenage alcohol abuse.
Physical: Red and glazed eyes.
Emotional: Depression, low-esteem, mood changes, or irresponsible behavior.
Family: Breaking rules or starting arguments.
School: Grades dropping, disrespecting faulty or skipping classes/school days.
All of this will reflects from new friends who will take your child into the wrong paths without realizing it. Also, one of the statistics proven that each year more than 10,000 young people in the United States are killed and 40,000 injured in alcohol-related automobile accidents.
Few questions:
1) Do you think the numbers will increase or drop?
2) How can families be more of aware of this situation?
3) Do you think the media also creates bad messages for alcohol substance?
Posted by Donna L.
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