Public Health Approaches to Abortion

Despite major gains in sexual and reproductive health and gender equity worldwide, abortion remains a topic rife with misinformation, disinformation and influenced by non-evidence-based policies. This introductory public health course provides accessible and foundational knowledge on the topic of abortion in the context of a changing reproductive health landscape. Highlighting expertise from Emory University researchers and community partners, this course provides an introduction to abortion from public health, medical, policy, social, and human rights perspectives for general audiences. Students will benefit from diverse learning opportunities through lectures, case studies, and self-reflection activities. Students will be introduced to several frames for thinking about abortion including those of reproductive justice, reproductive rights, reproductive health, life course, and health equity. By the end of the course, students will be able to examine their belief systems related to abortion and to identify and critique common misunderstandings related to abortion. Furthermore, students will explore the connection between social inequities and abortion to contextualize the future of abortion access in the rapidly changing present-day landscape.