Hawaii House Bill HR57

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/23/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Passed: 3/31/23

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution acknowledges that access to reproductive care has significant ties to economic stability, citing evidence that those denied access experience lasting economic consequences. It emphasizes the need for action following the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated the federal right to abortion. This decision disproportionately affects marginalized communities in Hawaii, including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations, who already face systemic barriers to healthcare and economic opportunities.

Summary

House Resolution 57 urges the University of Hawaii at Manoa's John A. Burns School of Medicine to enhance the reproductive care workforce in Hawaii, especially for rural and remote areas. The resolution reflects on the historical context of reproductive rights in Hawaii, noting that it was the first state to legalize abortion prior to the federal Roe v. Wade decision. The necessity of this resolution is highlighted by ongoing barriers to reproductive health access caused by geographical challenges and a declining number of abortion providers in the state since the 1990s.

Contention

While the resolution aims to strengthen the reproductive health workforce, it raises potential concerns about how effectively the University of Hawaii will respond. The call for increased financial assistance to students pursuing careers in reproductive care could encounter economic and political pushback. Additionally, there may be challenges related to training and retaining professionals in the field, especially in rural areas where such services are critically needed. The success of these initiatives will depend significantly on governmental support and community engagement.