Amplifying the Need for Trauma-informed Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for At-risk Adolescents During Times of Social and Political Complexity
In a global political climate that is characterized by increased use of both polarizing rhetoric and policy proposals across the political spectrum, there has been escalating concern about a deprioritization of women's health care and reproductive rights. Current social and political events have elevated the need for focused attention on the well-being of vulnerable adolescents. Recent policies that restrict access to family planning and reproductive health care and marginalize gender and sexual minority persons as well as a public political discourse that deliberates the response to sexual assault in the wake of high-profile events including the resignations and contentious appointment process of members of government, the clergy abuse scandal, and revelations of abuse among collegiate and Olympic athletes warrant reflection using a trauma-informed lens.