MSFC Update - April 2004

Regional Conference Reports

Western Regional Conference, Region 2
Over 30 medical students from Arizona, Nevada, California, and Germany gathered at the University of Arizona on January 10, 2004, for the MSFC Region 2 Conference. The keynote address by Mary Judge Ryan, President of the Arizona Women’s Political Caucus, discussed the complex interaction of medicine and politics. The rest of the morning consisted of concurrent sessions on medical abortion, STDs, contraception, performing a sensitive pelvic exam, pregnancy options counseling, transgender healthcare issues, and medical approaches to adolescent
sexuality.

After a fabulous southwestern lunch there was a provocative Faith and Choice Panel in which panelists and participants discussed the philosophical and practical intersections of faith and reproductive rights and choices. Attendees then chose among concurrent sessions on surgical abortion, options for abortion training in medical school and beyond, a legislative and political update, and exploring personal beliefs. The day concluded with a provider panel and a happy hour at a local restaurant.

The regional conference was a great opportunity to learn about topics not covered in medical school, renew commitment to reproductive rights, and meet other students passionate about pro-choice issues.

Southeastern Regional Conference
The Southeastern Regional Conference was held at the Atlanta Feminist Women’s Health Center on January 10, 2004. 70 students representing 13 schools attended this one-day event. Students had an opportunity to learn from speakers regarding a variety of reproductive health-related issues.

Dr. Miriam Zieman, co-author of Managing Contraception, gave the keynote address. Dr. Paul Norris, faculty at the University of Miami and member of the National Abortion Federation, spoke about the mechanisms and proper use of medical abortion. MSFC President Angel Foster discussed upcoming MSFC events and presented results from the Curriculum Mapping Project. Other conference sessions included a Faith and Choice panel, options counseling workshop, diversity in the reproductive rights movement, and provider panel. The conference concluded with an informal reception sponsored by the Feminist Women’s Health Center.

Canadian Regional Conference
The 2nd annual Canadian MSFC Conference, “Current Challenges Facing Women’s Reproductive Health,” took place on January 31st and February 1st, 2004, and drew a sizeable audience of approximately 150 people. Medical students, law students, nursing students, residents, physicians, providers, and community members convened at Queen’s University for this educational event. Attendees were treated to a wonderful array of sessions about everything from the legal history of abortion in Canada to the ethics of reproductive technologies.

The highlight of the weekend for many participants was the keynote address on Saturday by Dr. Henry Morgentaler, an instrumental figure in getting abortion legalized in Canada. Dr. Morgentaler spoke about his commitment to providing safe and compassionate abortion care and stressed how important it is for the pro-choice movement to preserve the right to choose. His stirring speech inspired a standing ovation by the audience.

All in all, the conference was a great success, bringing together medical students from schools across Canada with others interested in reproductive health. Students and residents alike were motivated to hold more MSFC events this semester.