advocacy among women affected by and living with HIV in the United States:

strategies to ensure our reproductive rights through non-judgmental, compassionate care

tinselyn simms-hall, m.s.policy and advocacy manager

the women’s collectiveJuly 24, 2012

challenges to the sexual and reproductive rights of women living with HIV

providers• moral judgment• lack of coordination between infectious disease providers and

obstetricians/ gynecologists• discouraging sexuality, encouraging shame

policy makers• politicization of sexual and reproductive health and rights of women• absence of women living with and affected by HIV at policy tables• lack of commitment to sexual and reproductive rights as human rights

funders• influenced by changing political agendas and pressures• Influenced by taboo surrounding sexual and reproductive services and HIV

women living with HIV leading sexual & reproductive rights advocacy

• PLUS advocates have: – created and led local SRH

awareness campaigns – presented at local and

national conferences– met with the head of the

Office of National AIDS Policy

– testified before the President’s Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS

• development of sexual & reproductive health and justice toolkit (providers, women, policymakers)

• presentations for local and national providers, advocates and stakeholders

• advocacy on funding restrictions for SRH services, policy efforts to restrict women’s reproductive rights, and need to increase positive women’s voice and presence in national policy conversations

• active in informing key national efforts: NHAS, PACHA work, DV-HIV integration

• connecting with local & national advocates to increase the women’s voice

the women’s collective’s sexual and reproductive rights work

recommendations for addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of HIV+ women

• Policymakers- include the meaningful participation of women living with HIV at all points in the decision-making process

• Providers- gender-focused and culturally competent services that are supported by sustainable and sufficient resources

• Providers-integrate sexual & reproductive health, violence against women, and HIV services

• Researchers- research that addresses the social and structural vulnerabilities that are unique to women including the development of women-controlled prevention tools