In this class, we continue the discussion about sexual autonomy and look at the intersectionality of disabled women's and children's rights and the right to healthcare--under US, foreign and international laws and procedures.

Guests:

Isatou Jallow, Disability Studies Scholar & Activist

"Little Rebel:" Isatou's Story as a Disabled Lawyer, Asylee & FGM Survivor [9:48 min]

Anna Noel Pickett, Founder & President, Alliance for Disability Law & Justice; Gates Public Service Law Scholar (UW Schl of Law)

Please read:

Mark Weber, Understanding Disability Law, Sec. 6.05[H] Medical Decisions (pp. 181-82)

Arlene Kanter, Why the US Should Ratify the UN Convention (2019)

pp. 301-03 (Intro), 312-19 (Sec. II(A)-(B)), 325-28 (Sec. II(D)*)

CRPD & Optional Protocol[Articles 28-31 re Comm'ee of Experts (pp. 28-31) & Optional Protocol (pp. 36-39)*]

*page numbering from printed publication, not the PDF pagination

UN Convention on Rts of the Child (CRC) [Articles 23 & 24]

Please answer one of the following questions:

1. Define "substantive equality" and the "right to support" as Kanter uses those terms.

2. Which features of the CRPD do you prefer over the ADA--or vice versa?

3. Do you think periodic reporting and examination of parties' complaints by an international body of disability experts is more effective for dispute resolution in some instances--and/or for some countries (including the United States?)- than reliance on domestic adjudication procedures?

[See also questions below]

Please visit these web sites:

Serrekunda Disable[d] Women Association

Inclusive Outlook: Supporting the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities and the Sexual & Health Rights of Women

Please read:

[CONTENT ADVISORY: The following contains information re sexual anatomy and activity that may be disturbing]

28 Too Many, "The Gambia: The Law and FGM" (2018)

WA State Legislature: SB 5453-Female Genital Mutilation - Substitute House Bill Report (2023)

Optional:

Joint General Recommendation No. 31- UN Comm'ee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)/General Comment No. 18 - UN Comm'ee on the Rights of the Child on Harmful Practices (2019)

SB 5453 (2023) - Bill History & Documents

Please answer one of the following questions:

1. What are some features that distinguish the recently passed legislation in Washington State banning FGM (female genital mutilation/female cutting/female circumcision) from the law in The Gambia? Do you favor/disfavor certain provisions--or favor/disfavor the law entirely? Explain why.

2. Can the rationale for prohibition of FGM practiced on minors --with or without criminal penalties-- be applied to laws prohibiting the practice of gender affirming care? Why or why not?