Why we need trauma-informed reproductive healthcare, Hanz Dismer

This talk explores the impact abortion bans and restrictions have on victims and survivors of intimate partner violence. It is an exploration of maternal mortality, research about not being able to access a sought abortion, psychological impacts, and more. Hanz Dismer is a licensed clinical social worker and sexuality educator working at the intersection of interpersonal and institutional violence. Much of their work focuses on practical application of Reproductive Justice in family planning and abortion care settings. As Director of Psychosocial Services at Hope Clinic, an independent abortion provider in the St. Louis Metro East, Dismer supervises a team of social workers and educators who provide comprehensive, evidence-based reproductive health education, counseling, and support to those seeking abortions. They serve as a field instructor for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in social work and public health. In addition to their work in abortion care, Dismer is also a feminist therapist serving primarily transgender youth and adults. Dismer also works to train healthcare providers on practices that foster compassionate, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, sex-positive, and person-centered care.

Dismer is a speaker, storyteller, writer, and activist. They are a certified sexuality educator through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Dismer was the 2022 recipient of the Counselor Advocate of the Year award through Illinois Counselors for Social Justice. They are a 2024 Public Voices in Public Health Fellow of the OpEd Project and Academy Health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx