We propose a convergent parallel mixed methods study to explore preferences for contraceptive counseling and provision at the time of abortion care.

AIM 1: Determine peri-abortion contraceptive choices in a patient population relatively unconstrained by legal, financial, and logistical obstacles to reproductive autonomy. We will perform a retrospective cohort evaluation of patients who received abortion care with the Family Planning Division at Albany Medical Center between 7/1/22-12/31/24, to determine any contraceptive methods obtained at the time of abortion care. We will assess associations between contraceptive choice with patient and clinical factors, including demographics, medical complexity, travel distance, and clinical characteristics.

AIM 2: Explore patient preferences for peri-abortion contraceptive counseling and provision. We will perform a qualitative study of patients receiving abortion care in the Albany, NY area between 4/1/24-9/30/24. We will recruit participants for maximum variation based on demographic and clinical factors, conduct virtual semi-structured interviews, and perform thematic analysis. Initial interviews will be within one month of abortion care, and interested participants will be re-contacted 2-3 months later for follow-up.

AIM 3: Understand how patient characteristics impact preferences for peri-abortion contraceptive care. We will merge quantitative and qualitative data to perform mixed methods analysis, assessing how patient personal and clinical characteristics affect contraceptive care preferences.
This study will provide better understanding of goals and preferences around contraceptive counseling during abortion care, in patients with diverse clinical and personal characteristics in an unconstrained setting, to guide formulation of recommendations that include both general principles and specific considerations for individual populations.