Naomi Braine is a sociology professor at Brooklyn College who teaches public health and policy. With last month’s historic decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Roe v. Wade—essentially declaring that the constitutional right to abortion no longer exists—Braine discussed the far-reaching effects of abortion rights being rolled back in nearly half of the states, with more restrictions likely to follow. Braine joined the faculty at Brooklyn College in September 2008. Previously, she worked in the nonprofit health and policy research sector, conducting research on harm reduction, drug use, and HIV risk and prevention, and consulted for community-based organizations and the New York State Department of Health. Since joining the faculty, her interest in harm reduction and community action has focused more on issues related to women’s health. Her professional work is deeply informed and shaped by a long history as a social justice activist.
