Women in Medicine: Dr. Helen Rodriguez-Trias

Dr. Helen Rodriguez-Trias began her career as a pediatrician in Puerto Rico in the 1960s, but became increasingly concerned with social factors that affected health and access to health care. On moving to New York, she practiced community medicine, supporting grassroots efforts for change in the Puerto Rican community. During the 1970’s she worked with women who were coerced by the government to undergo sterilization. This led her to co-found the Campaign to End Sterilization Abuse, which helped create strict federal guidelines for consent for medical procedures. Tap to learn more.