t inselyn simms -hall, m.s . p olicy and advocacy m anager t he w omen’s c ollective

1. advocacy among women affected by and living with HIV in the United States: strategies to ensure our reproductive rights through non-judgmental, compassionate care tinselynsimms-hall, m.s. policy and advocacy manager the women’s collective July 24, 2012

2. challenges to the sexual and reproductive rights of women living with HIV providers • moral judgment • lack of coordination between infectious disease providers and obstetricians/ gynecologists • discouraging sexuality, encouraging shame policy makers • politicization of sexual and reproductive health and rights of women • absence of women living with and affected by HIV at policy tables • lack of commitment to sexual and reproductive rights as human rights funders • influenced by changing political agendas and pressures • Influenced by taboo surrounding sexual and reproductive services and HIV

3. women living with HIV leading sexual & reproductive rights advocacy • PLUS advocates have: • created and led local SRH awareness campaigns • presented at local and national conferences • met with the head of the Office of National AIDS Policy • testified before the President’s Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS

4. the women’s collective’s sexual and reproductive rights work • development of sexual & reproductive health and justice toolkit (providers, women, policymakers) • presentations for local and national providers, advocates and stakeholders • advocacy on funding restrictions for SRH services, policy efforts to restrict women’s reproductive rights, and need to increase positive women’s voice and presence in national policy conversations • active in informing key national efforts: NHAS, PACHA work, DV-HIV integration • connecting with local & national advocates to increase the women’s voice

5. recommendations for addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of HIV+ women • Policymakers- include the meaningful participation of women living with HIV at all points in the decision-making process • Providers- gender-focused and culturally competent services that are supported by sustainable and sufficient resources • Providers-integrate sexual & reproductive health, violence against women, and HIV services • Researchers- research that addresses the social and structural vulnerabilities that are unique to women including the development of women-controlled prevention tools