The objective of this study was to explore the challenges that abortion providers in conservative or “red” states are experiencing in this period of intense regulation and restriction, and to document what have been their responses to these challenges. (“Providers” in this case refers to administrators and various levels of staff of independent clinics, and ...Read more >

The etonogestrel (ENG) contraceptive implant (Implanon/Nexplanon) is one of the most effective forms of contraception available. Continuation rates in published studies of Implanon range from 55%-90%; one of the most common reasons for discontinuation is the complaint of “bleeding problems” such as prolonged and frequent bleeding patterns. There is limited evidence supporting ways to improve ...Read more >

Objective: To compare laminaria and Dilapan-S for overnight cervical preparation before dilation and evacuation at 18-24 weeks’ gestation. Methods: This double-blind randomized trial compared laminaria with Dilapan-S for the primary outcome of dilation and evacuation operative time within two cohorts: 18-20 6/7 and 21-23 6/7 weeks’ gestation. We required 160 women to have 80% power ...Read more >

During the Women’s Care 3rd year clerkship, University of Colorado medical students receive one didactic session on abortion. This lecture focuses on surgical techniques and medication protocols and is followed by a case discussion addressing the ethical dilemmas a physician may face when a patient requests pregnancy termination. Students are not specifically trained in options ...Read more >

Study Aims : 1.) To assess which factors influence medical students’ pre-residency intention to provide abortion. 2.) To determine how, if at all, medical students who have applied to obstetrics and gynecology residencies perceive abortion to be relevant to their future patients. 3.) To investigate how pre-residency intention to provide abortion is influenced through medical ...Read more >

Legislation aimed at restricting access to abortion has been persistent in many states, especially the state of Arkansas, significantly impacting women’s access to abortion services. Such legislation specifically impacts low-income women and women of color. Public health intervention is needed to address the schism between constitutes and abortion legislation passed by a vocal minority. Empathy-based ...Read more >

Though it is widely held that the restrictive policies regulating obtaining sterilization under Medicaid must be revised, no previous studies have proposed new process models. Our study addresses a critical gap in knowledge regarding Medicaid sterilization restrictions by developing a revised model of regulations grounded in the experiences of the very women impacted by current ...Read more >

Worldwide, concern about side effects and health risks is a key barrier to contraception use. Among women with an unmet contraceptive need in Latin America and the Caribbean, 35% reported contraception nonuse because of these concerns. These concerns often involve myths about contraception safety. Debunking these myths can be difficult as people have cognitive functions ...Read more >

As an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa, my research program is dedicated to conducting policy relevant and action- and intervention-oriented research on comprehensive reproductive health issues. My research includes multi-methods social science research and health policy analysis and I work at the local, provincial, national, and international ...Read more >

In 2012, the District of Columbia (DC) passed a law authorizing the Boards of Pharmacy and Medicine to develop regulations allowing pharmacists, through collaborative practice agreements with healthcare providers, to prescribe hormonal birth control. Advocates for Youth played a central role in developing and promoting this law, with the goal of increasing contraceptive access among ...Read more >