As enthusiasm for LARCs has grown in recent years, SisterSong and the NWHN have been strong voices in reminding public health officials that the best drug or device is one that fits each woman's unique needs, selected by her from a full range of options with complete information and without coercion, deception or financial obstacles.

Women - particularly young women, low-income women, uninsured women, and women of color - often report that providers do not take their health care concerns seriously, and treat them as though they are incapable of deciding what happens with their bodies. These same women have also been subjected to a long history of sterilization abuse and are often aggressively targeted by public health officials for LARCs.

SisterSong and the NWHN have partnered to create a statement of principles to guide the promotion and provision of LARCs. We are thrilled that more than 20 organizations and public health professionals have already joined us in signing on to these principles. We hope that you and your organization will add your voice!

For more information about the statement of principles, contact Sarah Christopherson at schristopherson@nwhn.org. To add your name, click HERE.

On Wednesday, October 5th from 1:00-2:30 EST, SisterSong and the NWHN will host a webinar to discuss the issue of LARCs. We've put together a panel of experts from the research, policy and advocacy communities. Make sure you join us!

LARCs: Access, Coercion, and Reproductive Justice

Speakers: Monica Simpson (SisterSong), Anu Gomez (UC- Berkeley and board member for the National Women's Health Network), Cristina Aguilar (Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights), Aimee Thorne Thomsen (Advocates for Youth, Jamila Taylor (Center for American Progress), and Tannia Esparza (Young Women United)

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016
1:00-2:30pm EST
Sign-up here

You can also join the conversation by following #RJ2016.

We believe that by helping people to better understand the challenges and opportunities of long-acting methods that we are ensuring access while also respecting the autonomy and rights of those who have historically been oppressed.

Thank you for helping us to speak out and stand up for the principles that we all believe in - that women should have the right and the ability to control their own fertility whether planning, preventing or terminating a pregnancy.