Abigail English

Abigail English, JD is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She serves as Director of the Center for Adolescent Health & the Law, focusing on legal and policy issues affecting adolescents.

Education:

• JD, Law, Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California-Berkeley (1975)
• AB, Philosophy and Government, Radcliffe College, Harvard University (1971)

Research Interests: Her work centers on adolescent health law and policy, particularly consent confidentiality, sex trafficking, and access to healthcare. She has pioneered studies on sexual exploitation and Medicaid financing for youth. Her advocacy bridges legal systems, healthcare, and public policy to protect vulnerable populations.

Publications Trends: Her articles address intersections of law and public health, with recent focus on sex trafficking and vaccination policy. Earlier work established frameworks for legal aspects of adolescent care.

Awards:

• 2000: Outstanding Achievement in Adolescent Medicine
• 1997: Child Advocacy Award

Service & Grants: Served on boards of Guttmacher Institute, Advocates for Youth, and the Brush Foundation. Advised the Institute of Medicine on commercial sexual exploitation. Taught courses like “Adolescent Health and the Law” and lectured globally on youth health rights.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Center for Adolescent Health & the Law, a multidisciplinary team addressing legal barriers to adolescent health equity.