Reproductive Inequality in Canada

This article will examine the implications of taking an autonomy approach to reproductive health policy and practice, and the value of shifting to an equality approach.  In legal terms, the acknowledgement that reproductive control is often a s. 15 equality matter, not simply a s. 7 concern, could lead to drastically different health care services.  The author will begin by explaining R. v. Morgentaler (1988), the case which set the precedent that reproductive health is a s. 7 concern—that is, an autonomy matter.  The author will identify some current conditions in the context of reproductive health in order to illustrate the shortcomings to s. 7.  Specifically, she will demonstrate the importance that government take positive action rather than uphold a position of non-interference.  The subsequent section will make a case for redressing present conditions via the invocation of s. 15 equality rights.  The author will conclude with an evaluation of s. 15, considering the objection that not even this section can guarantee positive action

Examining the Deinstitutionalization Movement in North America

This paper will provide a brief history of the institutionalization movement during the nineteenth century in North America, followed by an examination of the reasons behind the deinstitutionalization movement, with the intent of understanding the repercussions of both movements. Suggestions will be presented to assist mental health professionals and the community at large in implementing programs to assists former patients integrate positively into the community

The Impact of the Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure on the Health and Human Rights of “Black” Communities

The criminalization of HIV non-disclosure has become a hot topic for discussion and debate amongst human rights advocates, HIV/AIDS service providers, and people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. This paper explores the inherent problems with HIV non-disclosure laws. These laws are ambiguous and pose a serious threat to public health policy and programming by obstructing the fundamental human rights of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Using a human rights framework, this paper explores the impact of non-disclosure laws on the health and rights of African, Caribbean, and Black-Canadian communities and proposes ways to address the shortcomings of HIV non-disclosure laws and inadequate social policies

A Content Analysis of Youth Sexual Health Websites: Exploring their Relevance and Accessibility for Youth with Disabilities

oai:ht.journals.yorku.ca:article/37271Because web-based campaigns are an important part of health promotion campaigns for youth, this research examines sexual health websites aimed at youth and explores the messages on HIV/AIDS for their relevance and accessibility for youth with disabilities. The researchers’ underlying understanding of disability is that it is socially constructed and that people with disabilities experience social exclusion. We used a directed content analysis method to analyze 21 websites that met our inclusion criteria based on our indicators of accessibility and relevance and for their key messages. We found that the messaging across all sites was highly consistent: sex-positive, gay-positive, and non-judgmental about youth sexual expression. However, none of the prevention information specifically considered mobility, verbal and cognitive disability, participation and information barriers faced by youth with disabilities, or their heightened sexual vulnerability. Only one site depicted disability in images and none depicted disability and sexuality. There is a clear need to better understand the sexual health information needs of youth with disabilities and to develop safe sex information that is relevant and accessible to them

Patient Advocacy, Drug Promotion, and the Feminist Paradox: An Analysis of the Canadian Pain Coalition

Healthcare has changed significantly over the past few decades with the emergence of neoliberalism as a dominant ideology informing policy. This paper examines the Canadian Pain Coalition’s (CPC) conceptualization of chronic pain and its treatment in the context of neoliberalism. Through content analysis of the CPC’s online materials, we show how the advocacy group constructs pain as an individual’s responsibility and a physical disease that can be managed primarily with pharmaceutical medication.  Drawing on insights from the social determinants of health and feminist literatures, we suggest that the CPC’s construction of pain as a physical disease, an individual responsibility, and its emphasis on pharmaceutical treatment is inadequate in addressing the complex social, economic, and physical needs of people living with chronic pain.  Taking up Susan Markens’ concept of the “feminist paradox,” we suggest that there is a necessary tension in the construction of pain as disease.  On the one hand, it is constructed in terms of providing access to treatments, while on the other, it potentially medicalizes people living with chronic pain.  Finally, we discuss how the CPC does not adequately address the side of the tension concerning medicalization, given the strong association between the CPC and the pharmaceutical companies