Sarah Holcombe, MPH, University of California, Berkeley
Objectives: In 2005, Ethiopia enacted a rare reform, liberalizing its abortion law as part of the overhaul of the country’s Criminal Code. The reform’s aim was to reduce the country’s high levels of maternal mortality, which are due in part to unsafe abortion. This research explores the roles of Obstetrician-Gynecologists (Ob-Gyns) and the Ethiopian Society ...Read more >
Alison Norris, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Objectives: The objective of this study was to complete research about contraception and the consequences of unwanted pregnancy in Zanzibar, and to disseminate research findings to in-country champions, policy-makers and practitioners. Methods: This multi-method study in the semi-autonomous archipelago region of Zanzibar, Tanzania included five components: semi-structured group discussions with men and women in five ...Read more >
Lisa Harris, MD, PhD, University of Michigan
Our goal is to strengthen human resources for abortion care. In this study we test hypotheses generated in our pilot study of the Providers Share workshop. Providers Share is a supportive group intervention in which participants use discussion, journaling, and artwork to share experiences of abortion work and its impact on emotional lives and relationships. ...Read more >
Gretchen Stuart, MD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Objective: Although immediate post-placental IUD insertion is considered safe and effective, later postpartum insertions have been discouraged. We conducted this study to assess acceptability and feasibility of conducting a clinical trial to investigate insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) 10 minutes to 48 hours after vaginal delivery. Methods: Prospective clinical study of women enrolled ...Read more >
Alison Edelman, MD, MPH, Oregon Health & Science University
Prostaglandin inhibitors may be a viable alternative to the currently available hormonal contraceptive methods. Hormonal contraception, although highly effective, is not tolerated by some women, and contraindicated in others. Hormonal emergency contraception works primarily by inhibition of ovulation, and therefore fails in women who use the method after release of the oocyte. Studies have shown ...Read more >
Shannon Criniti, PhD, MPH, Drexel University
Women now account for 26% of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the US, with 80% of those infections caused by heterosexual transmission. As women with HIV live longer lives and have access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, their fertility desires have been found to be similar to those of women without HIV. Women who may have ...Read more >
Lisa Harris, MD, PhD, University of Michigan
This pilot project will explore the experiences of workers who directly perform and assist with abortion work at a Midwest Planned Parenthood affiliate, and evaluate a self-care intervention designed for them. In general, the physicians, nurses, counselors and surgical assistants who do abortion work are inspired by feminist ideals and their deep desire to make ...Read more >
Patricia Lohr, MD, MPH, BPAS
In the United Kingdom, guidance from the Department of Health and Royal College of Nursing encourages “sensitive disposal” of fetal tissue after pregnancy loss, stating that individuals should be given verbal and written information on their options and the ability to participate in shared decision-making about management of fetal remains. This guidance was developed in ...Read more >
Eleanor Drey, MD, EdM, University of California, San Francisco
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of two routes and doses of digoxin before later second-trimester abortion by dilation and evacuation through an assessment of maternal systemic digoxin absorption, cardiac rhythm and coagulation parameters. Study Design: Pregnant women at between 19 and 23 weeks’ gestation received either 1.5 mg digoxin ...Read more >
Jeanelle Sheeder, PhD, MSPH, University of Colorado
Background: American adolescents are at higher risk for pregnancy than adolescents in other industrialized nations. Most know how to obtain and use contraceptives and deny they want babies. However, many do not use contraception because they are either ambivalent or indifferent about pregnancy. These states can develop in two different situations: when young women feel ...Read more >