November 14th-15th, 2008
Atlanta, GA
The Westin Buckhead
Woodruff Room
3391 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-365-0065
Friday, November 14, 2008, 7:30 pm
On the eve of the conference join us for a screening of
Rick Schweikert’s teleplay “un becoming,”
followed by a talk-back with the playwright and Nora W. Coffey.
Emma Douglas’ doctor won’t take no for an answer,
and she and her husband have complicated their lives
in ways that Emma’s not sure who to believe anymore.
Emma struggles to see clearly through the
manipulation, lust, and denial to avoid the irreversible
damage and severe lifelong adverse effects of
hysterectomy, refusing to become a medical statistic
drop in the ocean. The play premiered in New York in
2004 and has been seen in more than 30 cities.
Produced by HERS and filmed with the original Off-
Broadway cast: www.unbecomingplay.com.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Saturday, November 15, 2008
8:30–9:00am
Registration and Coffee
9:00–9:30am
Keynote Address
Sybil Shainwald, J.D.
The Law Offices of Sybil Shainwald
A trial lawyer, her private practice has for decades been primarily devoted to
women’s health law. She has filed class action lawsuits on behalf of women who were
harmed by DES, the Dalkon Shield, and silicone breast implants. She has long been
committed to education and advocacy for women and was the first woman
to receive the President’s Medal of Honor from the New York Law School.
9:30–11:00am
The Effects of Hysterectomy
Moderated by Nora W. Coffey
President, HERS Foundation
Panel: Cindi Allen, Brenda Cobb, Mary Horne, Denise Nay, Susan Urquhart
The panel will discuss openly what they were told before the surgery and
what they were told after—the untold story of the full impact that hysterectomy
has had on every part of their bodies and every aspect of their lives.
11:00–11:15am
Break
11:15–11:45 am
Proud Flesh: A Hysterectomy Journal
Genevieve Carminati, M.A.
Associate Professor of English and Women’s Studies Coordinator,
Montgomery College
Reading from the journal she began shortly after
she underwent a hysterectomy at the age of 25.
11:45–1:00pm
Lunch
1:00–2:45pm
Medical Malpractice: The Legal and Medical Issues
Robert E. Myers, J.D., L.L.M.
The law firm of Coffey Kaye Myers and Olley
A senior trial attorney and member of the bar in Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, and District of Columbia. A legal expert in medical
malpractice, he will discuss the basic elements for pursuing a claim and
establishing damages—how to find an attorney, what’s involved in proving the
case, questions of consent, and what to expect at depositions and trial.
2:45–3:00pm
Break
3:00–5:00pm
Treatment Options For Common Gynecological Conditions
Mitchell Levine, M.D.
Clinical instructor at Tufts and Harvard Schools of Medicine.
Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Waltham Hospital.
Discussion of female anatomy, the functions of the female
organs, and how hysterectomy and castration changes a woman’s
anatomy and physiology. Common reasons why hysterectomies are
recommended, and the alternatives for fibroids, endometriosis, bleeding,
HPV, hyperplasia, prolapse, iatrogenic obstetric hemorrhage, and PID.
Treatments and their consequences, including no treatment, ablation,
myomectomy, embolization, D&C, and hormones.
5:00–6:00pm
Round Table Discussion
Audience and speakers: Genevieve Carminati, Nora W. Coffey,
Mitchell Levine, Robert E. Myers, Rick Schweikert, Sybil Shainwald
The wrap-up is a lively discussion and an excellent opportunity for questions.
Click Here to REGISTER ONLINE
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Click Here to REGISTER BY MAIL
If you would like to share a ride or share a room,
contact Irene at 610-667-7757.
