KOSU and Osage News collaborated on a community engagement event late last month in Pawhuska.
KOSU's Allison Herrera, StateImpact Oklahoma's Catherine Sweeney and Osage News' Shannon Shaw Duty talked in depth about new state laws that have taken effect in Oklahoma surrounding reproductive health care. The trio also talked about some of the issues Indigenous women experience getting prenatal and postpartum care, other rural health inequities and more.
Listen to the full conversation above, and hear some snippets from the conversation below.
What are some of Oklahoma's recent laws involving reproductive health care?
StateImpact Oklahoma's health reporter Catherine Sweeney highlights the most recent laws on the table that went into effect. Listen here:
Sweeney also talked about Oklahoma's trigger laws:
What has Osage News been hearing from Indigenous women about the new laws?
Osage News Editor Shannon Shaw Duty says the number one question they hear regarding Oklahoma's new laws is "Are we going to be safe on the reservation?" Listen for more here:
Do we know what constitutes as an emergency exception?
KOSU has put together an FAQ guide on what we know about reproductive health emergencies in Oklahoma. In this clip, Sweeney talks about some of the instances she's aware of. Listen here:
What are some of the health care barriers Indigenous women face?
Shaw Duty says the main concern for many Indigenous women is reliable transportation to and from appointments. She says women are often referred out of the closest clinic for specialized care. Listen here:
The importance of having Osage people in health care positions
With a new health care clinic on the horizon, Shaw Duty says that it is important to see Osage people going into health care. She says there is a sense of trust established in going to someone who is also Osage:
Submit Your Questions
KOSU is looking to answer more of your questions about these issues. All questions will be kept anonymous unless explicitly said otherwise.
You can also email Allison Herrera at allison@kosu.org.
This event was made possible with help from Osage News and Big Rain Gallery.
