WVE Outreach Coordinator Speaks about the Environment and Health Rights for Immigrants and Women at Conferences in Idaho
Immigration, drug abuse, environment are key conference issues
By Vickie D. Ashwill - Idaho Statesman
04/12/07
There were no restrooms and no running water. Pesticides were not considered an issue.
It is because of her mom that Mabbutt, who lives in Nampa, is passionate about educating people about environmental hazards that can affect their health. Her main outreach is to immigrants, people of color and those with limited English skills.
Mabbutt, along with keynote speaker Aisha Glasford of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and others, will talk about health rights for immigrants and women at Friday and Saturday's Public Policy Summit: Critical Issues Facing Our Communities. Mabbutt will be part of a Saturday panel.
Sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Idaho, Idaho Women's Network, ACLU of Idaho and the National Association of Social Workers — Idaho, the free conference has aimed its topics at the Treasure Valley's growing Hispanic population and the entire community, said Rebecca Poedy, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood.
Topics include the environment, immigration, substance abuse treatment and STD/treatment and policy.
Glasford, a policy analyst, said her organization advocates for improved access to health care and information for the Latino community. Educating migrant farmworker women about how pesticides affect reproductive health is critical, Glasford said. Those dangers include ovarian cancer and miscarriages. "We need to look at housing; are there fresh fruits and vegetables? What kind of water supply is there?" she said. "All of it is going to affect reproductive health."
Latinos face different barriers than most people, she said. "If you don't have immigration status, then what kind of health care are you going to have?"
Without adequate access to information and care, there will be lots of illnesses and unexpected pregnancies, she said.
Mabbutt, the Idaho outreach coordinator for Women's Voices for the Earth, explained that women who work in the fields, in fast food or hospitality industries usually have less access to information.
Pesticides in farm fields is only one kind of environmental hazard, said Mabbutt. There are hazardous contents in cosmetics, including lotions and creams, and cleaning products that women use at home and work. "Knowledge is power," she said. Policies need to be created to provide information in other languages.
Glasford and Mabbutt both say illegal immigrants need to be included in the health care system.
"It's morally and humanely the right thing to do," said Mabbutt.
To offer story ideas or comments, contact Vickie D. Ashwill at vashwill@idahostatesman.com or 373-6691.