The Portland Public Library will host a panel discussion on refugees and reproductive health on Thursday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. Globally, women and girls often face a multitude of human rights violations and barriers to accessing health care. These failures to fulfill their health and human rights–in particular sexual and reproductive health and rights–are compounded by the humanitarian crises driving the global influx of refugees. Women and girls in humanitarian crises face an increased risk of a number of challenges, including gender-based violence, sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and maternal mortality. Meeting the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls is an essential component of the response to the global refugee crisis, whether in refugee camps abroad or for resettled communities here in the United States.

As the largest donor of international family planning and reproductive health programs and with the President’s commitment to accept at least 100,000 new refugees in the coming year, the U.S. has a significant role to play. In the lead up to the 2017 Camden Conference, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England will host a panel discussion bringing the perspectives of global reproductive health experts and local community organizations to discuss the reproductive health needs of women and girls impacted by humanitarian crises–no matter who they are or where they live–and implications for U.S. policies and programs.  Panelists TBA.

This presentation is hosted by the Portland Public Library and offered as a free community event in in anticipation of the 30th Annual Camden Conference -Refugees and Global Migration: Humanity’s Crisis, February 17-19, 2017. The 30th Anniversary Camden Conference Community Events Series is supported in part by the Maine Humanities Council.