62nd Session of the Commission on Social Development Side Event

Reproductive Loss: Consequences for Mental Health, Social Development, and Social Justice (Concepts of Truth and Permanent Mission of Uganda) (Conference Room D, UNHQ, New York)

Youth panelists will examine the economic and social impact of the burgeoning global mental health crisis described in the United Nation’s recent report, “Mental Health, Human Rights and Legislation: Guidance and Practice.” Panelists will then discuss the role of reproductive loss (abortion and miscarriage) as potential root causes of mental health disorders, particularly depression, substance misuse, anxiety and suicide. Finally, panelists will address disenfranchised grief and other mental health harms flowing from society’s failure to acknowledge the grief women, girls and their families experience following reproductive loss and the implications this has for social development and social justice.