In this powerful episode of Higher Education with Dr. B Fran, we delve into the escalating battle for reproductive rights in the United States and the complex intersection of politics, healthcare, and personal autonomy with Dr. Elizabeth Janiak. From the ongoing challenges women face in accessing safe abortion care to the alarming political changes under the current administration, we explore the implications of these policies and their impact on marginalized communities, especially Black and low-income women. We discuss critical topics like the halt on maternal health research, the historical significance of the Comstock Act, what happens when these services are limited and how abortion bans could increase maternal mortality.

We also discuss the documentary AKA Jane Roe, where the woman behind the infamous Roe v. Wade case reveals the extent to which political movements, particularly the evangelical right, have influenced the fight over abortion rights. Through personal stories, expert insights, and a deep dive into the political landscape, this episode reveals the dangerous consequences of restricting reproductive healthcare access and the power of collective action to protect reproductive rights.

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In part two of this deeply moving conversation, we turn our focus to the mental health toll of genocide, especially on children—the most vulnerable victims of conflict— even once it ends. Dr. B Fran and Dr. Sawsan Abdulrahim discuss the psychological scars that last long after the violence ends, exploring the immense impact of trauma, loss, and displacement on young minds. Children, often witnessing the brutality of genocide, carry the weight of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of loss. Without access to mental health care, their future is shaped by unresolved trauma that can affect their physical health, cognitive development, and emotional well-being for years to come.

We also examine how public health professionals can stand in solidarity with these children and their families, emphasizing the need for international advocacy, resources, and psychosocial support. What role does public health play in fostering a system that prioritizes healing and recovery for young survivors?

This episode is a call to action: children are not just the future—they are the present, and they need immediate, long-term support to recover from the psychological devastation of genocide.

Join us for an urgent discussion on how the international community can address the mental health crisis facing children in conflict zones, ensuring that the invisible scars of trauma don’t define their futures.

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In this powerful episode of Higher Education of Dr. B Fran, we explore the far-reaching public health consequences of genocide, viewed through the lens of the structural determinants of health framework. Our guest is Dr. Sawsan Abdulrahim, a professor at the American University of Beirut and the granddaughter of Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Nakba. Dr. Abdulrahim brings a personal, academic, and historical perspective as she examines the ongoing health impacts of displacement on Palestinian communities—focusing on women and children who bear the brunt of both physical and psychological trauma.

Through candid discussion, we explore how the legacy of the Nakba and contemporary instances of genocide continues to shape the health outcomes of Palestinian families today. From malnutrition and inadequate healthcare to trauma and chronic stress, the episode delves into how these health burdens transcend generations, affecting entire communities.

As families continue to be displaced and migrate throughout the region, what are the long-term implications for public health? How do migration patterns, forced displacement, and violence intersect with issues of access to care, mental health, and community well-being?

Join us as we unpack the intersection of genocide, displacement, and public health—and why the health of a people is intrinsically linked to the social and political structures that shape their world.

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Produced by Peoples Media

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.