Ann C. Hwang

Family Planning in the Balance

Family planning has long been acknowledged as an effective public health intervention. In recent years, however, family planning has come under increased scrutiny from conservative politicians and constituents. National US policies instituted since 2001 are resulting in cutbacks in family planning programs worldwide. In the long run, these conservative initiatives may set back several decades of progress in reproductive health and reproductive rights. In promoting an ideologically driven approach to sexual and reproductive health, the recent policy developments threaten to subvert ethical standards of medical care and the principle of evidence-based policy.

Title X: a sure-fire investment with at least a 300% return.

Restoring full funding—to assure family planning and reproductive health services for all low-income uninsured Americans who need them—is a sensible way to save money. Savings begin in the very first year. As your congressional representatives struggle to find budget solutions remind them that unintended pregnancy is a continuing and costly public health problem in the United States. Reproductive health and family planning services reduce unintended pregnancy prevent sexually transmitted diseases and save money. At a time when every dollar counts we must not miss the chance to make an investment with such immediate and important payoffs. (excerpt)

Keeping abortion legal: a look beyond Roe v. Wade

The United States’ Supreme Court’s new term brings intense speculation about the possibility that a court retirement and new appointment might reverse the narrow margin of support that the Roe v. Wade abortion decision currently retains. Although upholding Roe is crucial an emphasis on the importance of the Supreme Court should not deflect attention from the ongoing erosion of abortion rights in the United States. Abortion rights are being undermined with new laws restricting access and funding and public debate focused narrowly on choice as a legal issue. (excerpt)

The war on words: sensible compromise or slow suicide?

In the wake of warnings that researchers who study AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases may face special scrutiny complying with instructions from staff at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to cleanse grant application abstracts of potentially controversial terms appears a prudent course of action. After all a quick document scan and a few minor wording changes seem like harmless compromises— but are they? (excerpt)

Reproductive health care: an essential foundation for prosperity and peace.

This is precisely the promise on which good reproductive services deliver. As plans are established for rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan all of us working in the reproductive health field will need to watch carefully to ensure that adequate support for reproductive health is included. Our goal must be to deliver the best possible reproductive health services to some of the most vulnerable populations on earth and we must not let this responsibility be compromised to placate minority ideologues in Iraq Afghanistan or here at home. This vision cannot be subordinated to short-sighted political agendas. Although the war may be over the struggle to alleviate suffering speed recovery and promote women’s health and opportunity is just beginning. (excerpt)