Today, more than half of all U.S. women of reproductive age (15-44) live in a state that is hostile to abortion rights. Opposition to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), contraception and abortion continues unabated. Further, relative to most other regions in the United States, there is a clear dearth of policies and programs to advance reproductive health and rights in the American South. The longstanding and stark health inequities in the South are a product of the unique history of the region, including its legacy of ongoing racial discrimination, current politics and neglect. Restrictive policies and meager investments of public resources have severely limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The results are poor SRH outcomes. Louisiana and Mississippi in particular and the South in general have some of the worst reproductive health indicators and policies in the country.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
Published By
Copyright
- Copyright The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. All rights reserved.