Midterm #2

Question 1

1. Can you create a universal definition of “indigenous?” Explain (briefly - in 1 or 2 sentences) why or why not.
2. What human right problems might adversely affect indigenous populations’ health in the Amazon region, and how?

Answer 1

1. “Indigenous” generally refers to the original inhabitants of a particular region or land, often with distinct cultural, historical, and social characteristics. However, creating a truly universal definition can be challenging due to the diversity of indigenous peoples worldwide and the varied contexts in which the term is applied.
2. Human rights problems affecting indigenous populations’ health in the Amazon region may include land rights violations, environmental degradation, forced displacement, and inadequate access to healthcare. These issues can lead to loss of traditional resources, disruption of cultural practices, and increased vulnerability to diseases, impacting the overall well-being of indigenous communities.

Question 2

What are reproductive rights?

Answer 2

Reproductive Rights: Reproductive rights refer to the rights of individuals to make decisions about their own reproductive health, including the right to access and use contraception, make choices about pregnancy and childbirth, and access comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Question 3

What is reproductive justice?

Answer 3

Reproductive justice expands the concept of reproductive rights to address broader social, economic, and racial inequalities that impact marginalized communities. It emphasizes the right to have children, not have children, and parent in safe and supportive environments.

Question 4

What are four primary questions we address when considering the topic of reproductive justice?

Answer 4

Can we have children and parent in safe and supportive environments?
Can we not have children without fear of punishment or stigma?
Can we decide if, when, and how to start a family?
Can we access the healthcare, education, and resources necessary to make these decisions?

Question 5

What does CEDAW stand for?

Answer 5

CEDAW stands for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Question 6

Why is CEDAW considered a comprehensive human rights convention for women?

Answer 6

CEDAW is considered comprehensive because it addresses discrimination against women in all areas, including legal, political, economic, social, and cultural aspects, making it a key instrument in promoting and protecting women’s human rights.

Question 7

Are the majority of the world’s countries legally obligated to CEDAW? Has the U.S. ratified CEDAW?

Answer 7

The majority of the world’s countries are legally obligated to CEDAW. However, the United States has not ratified CEDAW.

Question 8

What does article 12 obligate States Parties to do?

Answer 8

Article 12 obligates States Parties to take measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the field of healthcare, ensuring access to family planning education and services and reducing maternal mortality.

Question 9

Describe CEDAW General Recommendation No 24 (GR 24). What is its purpose?

Answer 9

GR 24 addresses women and health, emphasizing the right to health as a fundamental component of women’s human rights. Its purpose is to guide States Parties in implementing CEDAW to ensure women’s health and well-being.

Question 10

What SDGs focus on maternal health and SRHR?

Answer 10

SDG 3 focuses on good health and well-being, including targets related to maternal mortality and universal access to sexual and reproductive health services (SRHR).

Question 11

What SDGs include targets that focus on child health and rights?

Answer 11

SDGs 3 and 4 include targets related to child health, well-being, and access to quality education.

Question 12

Name the only country in the world that has not ratified the CRC?

Answer 12

The United States is the only country in the world that has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Question 13

Describe the CRC and the guiding principle.

Answer 13

The CRC is an international treaty that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children. The guiding principle is the best interests of the child.

Question 14

What is the definition of a child according to the CRC?

Answer 14

According to the CRC, a child is every human being below the age of eighteen years.

Question 15

Does the CRC have an article about health?

Answer 15

Article 24 of the CRC addresses the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health.

Question 16

What was the Dobbs decision and what impact did it have?

Answer 16

The Dobbs decision refers to a U.S. Supreme Court case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which addresses a restrictive abortion law in Mississippi. The decision could have significant implications for abortion rights in the United States.

Question 17

Explain the main results of the Turnaway study.

Answer 17

The Turnaway Study is a research project that investigated the consequences of receiving or being denied an abortion. It provided insights into the socioeconomic, physical, and mental health outcomes for women who sought abortions.

Question 18

What are 5 leading causes of maternal mortality?

Answer 18

Hemorrhage (excessive bleeding during childbirth)
Hypertensive disorders (e.g., preeclampsia and eclampsia)
Infections (during or after childbirth)
Unsafe abortion
Obstructed labor

Question 19

Are most maternal deaths preventable?

Answer 19

The majority of maternal deaths are preventable through access to quality maternal healthcare, skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, family planning, and addressing underlying social determinants.

Question 20

What is the relationship between maternal mortality and human rights?

Answer 20

Maternal mortality is intricately linked to human rights, as women have the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including maternal healthcare. Preventable maternal deaths often result from violations of women’s rights, including the right to life, health, non-discrimination, and information.

Question 21

Has maternal mortality ratio decreased over the last few decades?

Answer 21

While progress has been made in reducing maternal mortality globally, the ratio has not decreased uniformly in all regions. Some areas have seen significant improvements, but challenges persist, particularly in regions with limited access to quality healthcare.

Question 22

Name two challenges that women have in attaining maternal health?

Answer 22

Limited access to quality healthcare, especially in remote or marginalized communities.
Socioeconomic factors, including poverty, that hinder access to maternal services and education.

Question 23

Why do women seek unsafe abortions?

Answer 23

Restrictive abortion laws and lack of safe, legal options.
Stigma surrounding abortion.
Limited access to reproductive healthcare services.

Question 24

Explain discrimination against women that occurs in pregnancy and childbirth

Answer 24

Discrimination manifests in various ways, including:

Disrespectful or abusive treatment by healthcare providers.
Denial of information, consent, or choice in reproductive health matters.
Inadequate access to quality maternal healthcare, disproportionately affecting marginalized women.
Failure to address socioeconomic factors contributing to maternal mortality.