Prerequisites: None

Exam Type: No Exam

This reading group will examine how law and policy address (or fail to address) the connection between the current maternal health crisis in the U.S. and the social determinants of health – the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. For example, how do social determinants like neighborhood violence/safety, food security, and economic stability affect pregnancy outcomes? How has the law influenced these social conditions and how can the law respond now? Throughout the semester, we will consider how racism and other forms of discrimination have shaped policy and contributed to health disparities in these areas. Students will examine and discuss the policy objectives of several substantive areas of law, including health care and public health law; reproductive rights, health, and justice law; and civil rights law.”

Note: This reading group will meet on the following dates: TBD.