HONOLULU (KHON2) — Pilar Hererro, a senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, has dedicated her career to advocating for reproductive autonomy, particularly after her own experience as a young mother.
Her personal journey encompassed navigating pregnancy and motherhood while also contending with external pressures. These experiences helped Hererro realize just how vital reproductive choices are for an individual’s future.
Hawaiʻi is facing the same issues that other U.S. states encounter, including systemic failures in the healthcare system that disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women.
According to Hererro, these women are not only less likely to receive adequate prenatal care, but they are also at greater risk of pregnancy-related death.
Unfortunately, Hererro pointed out that “stories about coercion and mistreatment in the healthcare system are far too common” and have a particularly damaging impact on Native Hawaiian peoples.