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Dotty, Mayer, LCSW, CSADC, BCD
Counseling Coordinator
Planned Parenthood - Chicago
14 East Jackson Boulevard - 10th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 427-2276
This workshop will be a conversation about one of the most crucial and divisive issues to affect all Americans since the civil war. Despite the fact that Roe v. Wade is now twenty-five years old, the debate about the legality of abortion and a woman's right to choose is as intense as ever. Some reasons for why thus debate has escalated will be discussed. A historical perspective on the role of women in taking control of their reproductive lives will be reviewed, Key points about unplanned pregnancy and the variety of attitudes toward it will also be made.
Many changes have occurred since 1973. Some of those changes include breakthroughs in medicine as well as changes (sometimes restrictive in nature) in the law as it is interpreted (differently) in each of the fifty states, commonwealths and territories. Have those changes helped women and their families or have these changes made the process of making a decision about an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy even harder?
Unplanned pregnancies are sometimes the "tip of the iceberg" with regard to the woman and her family. Histories of chronic family crisis, abuse, addiction or trauma may also be uncovered. How can we insure that all women will receive UNBIASED and compassionate options courseling which will provide them and their partners, spouses and or families with the support and resources that they will need regardless of their choice. A review of options counseling, what it is and what it is not will be included here.
As the need for expert medical attention and a range of social services for deciding to terminate a pregnancy grow, where will those with the expertise who are able to provide those services come from? Likewise, as the number of younger and younger single mothers grows. where will the emotional and social support as well as the education regarding parenting come from? The wish to sustain life must be accompanied by the commitment of the country to sustain those lives as well as the lives of the women who are at the center of this issue. How can we, as professionals, create and support the kinds of services and supports so crucial to these women and their families? This workshop will try to address these issues.
The audience will be asked to share their particular perspectives (if they so choose).
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