Silvia Henriquez is the Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. Here’s what she had to say about Latinas’ reproductive health and rights, immigration issues, and the challenges that lay ahead.
Q: Tell me a little bit about your career before coming to the Institute.
A: I worked for a couple of national reproductive health organizations in Washington, DC and received my MA in Women’s Studies from George Washington University.
Q: Who has been an inspiration to you personally and/or professionally?
A: Both my parents have inspired me and my experience in El Salvador as a volunteer at a family planning clinic influenced my commitment to reproductive health and rights.
Q: What is your role in shaping the organization and its debates?
A: As the ED, I have had the opportunity, along with staff, to set the vision of the organization and determine our niche within the RH field. I have also done extensive media and public speaking on behalf of the organization that also helps to influence public opinion. Finally, I have written a couple of articles that promote NLIRH’s vision and perspective on reproductive health and rights.
Q: What is the biggest challenge the Institute faces right now?
A: We have just emerged from a strategic planning process and it’s clear that we need to continue fundraising so that our analysis, organizing, and advocacy work can remain relevant and cutting edge.
Q: Given the debates about immigration reform, what issue will likely affect Latina immigrant women and their families the most?
A: Well, now it doesn’t look like we will have any immigration policy—so the fact that there is no path to citizenship, no effort to keep families together, and that states will continue to introduce anti-immigrant policies will continue to negatively impact Latinas and their families.
Q: What are the particular challenges faced by Latina immigrants in terms of access to reproductive health services? How are their needs unique or different from other groups?
A: Abortion continues to remain a taboo subject, yet Latinas seek abortions in clinics and sometimes via underground methods. Additionally, because sometimes clinics require IDs, Latina immigrants with mixed status may not seek services.
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