Overview:

In this session, we will discuss what harm reduction is, and what it is not. We will look at the historical context in which it developed, with particular focus on the experiences of women and people of color. Values such as beneficence, autonomy, and any positive change will be linked to practical interventions.

Objectives:

• Participants will be able to describe the framework of harm reduction, including basic concepts, history and context of the movement, and practical interventions.
• Participants will understand the need for reproductive harm reduction and its roots in reproductive justice.
• Participants will be able to discuss practical ways to include harm reduction in their work with pregnant and parenting people who use substances.