Persistently high rates of unintended pregnancy in the US suggest a need for new patient-centered approaches to contraceptive acceptability and promotion. A critically understudied aspect of contraceptives are their sexual acceptability, or how methods influence women’s sexual experiences, which can in turn influence family planning clients’ preferences and practices. Moreover, despite professional enthusiasm about long-acting ...Read more >

Catholic health networks have expanded substantially in recent years. These facilities follow the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services, which prohibit abortion, contraception, sterilization, and certain treatment for obstetrical complications or miscarriage. Yet, little is known about patients’ awareness of religious restrictions on care. Defenders of institutionally-based conscience rights assert women can simply ...Read more >

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 >

Current literature on the reproductive health of Black women has focused on highlighting differences in reproductive health outcomes between Black women and other racial/ethnic groups. Although, it is acknowledged that the lived experience of Black women contributes to these differences, few studies have attempted to understand the mechanism through which this lived experience influences perspectives ...Read more >

Women of reproductive age with incomes below the federal poverty level (FPL) were five times more likely to report an unintended pregnancy than women living at or above 200% of the FPL. Not surprisingly, abortion patients in the US are disproportionately poor and low income. Laws such as the Hyde Amendment make it difficult for ...Read more >