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International Advocate for Women’s Health and Human Rights wins Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Presidential Award

Quebec, Quebec – June 20, 2005 – Dr. Dorothy Shaw was awarded the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ (SOGC) President’s Award for her outstanding commitment and accomplishments over her professional lifetime. The award recognizes Dr. Shaw's leadership in women's health issues, particularly in the promotion of reproductive health.

Dorothy Shaw is a role model for men and women concerned about women’s health and in particularly sexual reproduction rights here in Canada and throughout the world. Dr. Shaw has been an advocate for free choice and gender equity. “She represents Canada’s best efforts around the world,” explains SOGC President Dr. Gerald Stanimir.

Dr. Shaw, the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) PresidentElect and former SOGC President, was a member of the Canadian Task Force on Violence Against Women and worked with the World Health Organization and FIGO to internationally address the issue of Professional and Ethical Responsibilities Concerning Sexual and Reproductive Rights. She has travelled extensively around the world including Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, India, Chile, Argentina, and Guatemala promoting sexual reproductive health and advocating greater access in women’s health.

“In Sub-Saharan Africa, one in every 16 women faces maternal death. A maternal death is a reality for one in six women in Afghanistan and one in 29 in Haiti compared to one in 2,800 women in Canada. Dr. Shaw’s work is both inspiring and vital. It is with the type of leadership she extols that we can make a difference globally,” praises Dr. Andre Lalonde, Executive VicePresident of the SOGC.

A recognized expert in the areas of contraception, Prenatal Diagnosis, Violence against Women, Physician Patient Communication and Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights, Dr. Shaw is currently Acting Associate Vice President Equity, UBC and Associate Dean, Equity Faculty of Medicine, University of British Colombia (UBC) and Clinical Professor, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medical Genetics, UBC.

The President’s Award enables the SOGC to commend and recognize an individual’s contribution to the Society’s projects and programs and to the betterment of women’s health in Canada and abroad.

About the SOGC

Founded in 1944, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada is comprised of over 2,700 professional members, including gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. A leading authority on reproductive health care, the SOGC produces national guidelines for both public and medical education on important women's health issues. The Society's mission is to promote optimal women's health through leadership, collaboration, education, research and advocacy in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Last Updated April 19, 2007