Urging The University Of Hawaii At Manoa John A. Burns School Of Medicine To Prioritize Efforts To Strengthen Hawaii's Reproductive Care Workforce, Particularly For Rural And Remote Areas Of The State.
The resolution reflects Hawaii's long-standing commitment to reproductive rights, having legalized abortion in 1970 ahead of the Roe v. Wade decision. With the recent Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which reversed Roe v. Wade, there is a renewed emphasis on ensuring that reproductive care remains accessible in Hawaii. The resolution's call to action comes at a critical time when reproductive rights are under threat, making it imperative for the state to uphold its reputation as a leader in reproductive health and rights.
HCR55 urges the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine to enhance its efforts in strengthening Hawaii's reproductive care workforce, particularly in rural and remote areas of the state. The resolution highlights the essential nature of reproductive care and the need for greater accessibility, especially in light of Hawaii's unique geographical challenges and the rising costs of living that create barriers for patients seeking these services. It also acknowledges the declining number of abortion providers in the state, which has significantly limited access to reproductive healthcare options for residents.
The targeted support for strengthening the reproductive care workforce is particularly noteworthy as it aims to address the disparities faced by marginalized communities in accessing such essential healthcare services. The resolution points out that the Supreme Court's decision may disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Black, Latino, and indigenous populations. Ensuring that students pursuing careers in reproductive healthcare receive financial assistance is essential to augmenting the workforce and improving service delivery in underserved areas.
HCR55 outlines the necessity for the John A. Burns School of Medicine to report back to the legislature regarding its efforts to enhance the workforce supporting reproductive care, including the formulation of any recommendations for policy changes. This creates a framework for ongoing evaluation and adjustment of approaches to meet the needs of Hawaii’s diverse population, further solidifying the legislative commitment to reproductive healthcare.