This study is a history of the development and subsequent resurgence of the occupational role of abortion counseling, a role that initially emerged in the early 1970s, before Roe v. Wade. This research is guided, in theoretical terms, by the approach to the study of occupations associated with the Chicago School of Sociology and in ...Read more >

In South Africa, abortion is legal for several indications up to 20 weeks gestation, and approximately 25%-30% of all abortions take place in the second trimester. Most public sector second trimester procedures are performed by medical induction with misoprostol alone, although in the Western Cape Province, a team of roving doctors provides dilation and evacuation. ...Read more >

Background: High-risk sexual behavior, including unprotected sex, is highly prevalent in adolescents (13-17 years old) and exposes them to unintended pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Two explanations for why young people are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior are that individuals do not perceive themselves to be at risk, and ...Read more >

Objectives: To conduct new research that prospectively assesses fertility intentions and pregnancy attitudes using waves of data from a national sample of US women. This work will fill a gap in the growing body of research on these topics by providing insights into the extent to which US women’s fertility intentions change over time and ...Read more >

Background: High rates of unintended pregnancy worldwide demonstrate there is a gap in available contraceptive methods. If developed as planned, the peri-coital contraceptive pill will be an effective and intuitive method that could be taken in a period before or after unprotected sexual intercourse. Yet successful uptake of a new technology relies on concise terminology ...Read more >

Objectives: Native women have disproportionately high rates of unintended pregnancy and sexual violence, and low rates of contraceptive use compared to non-Native women. Native women’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is tied to the history of systematic oppression, racism, and coercion against Native communities in the US. This project aimed to facilitate a deeper understanding ...Read more >

Objective: To determine same day pharmacy availability of ulipristal acetate, evaluate for differences in availability expressed to patients and physicians, and to compare the availability of ulipristal acetate with that of levonorgesterel-containing emergency contraceptive pills. Methods: We conducted an observational population-based study utilizing a telephone-based secret shopper methodology. Researchers called all 195 unique retail pharmacies ...Read more >

Physicians can provide compelling testimony when state legislatures consider health issues. However, for abortion legislation, abortion-providing physicians may be discounted as biased or having a conflict of interest. We explored the willingness of non-abortion providing physicians to advocate for abortion access. We recruited Michigan doctors from a range of specialties, who were known by the ...Read more >

The overall goal of this mentor grant is to improve access to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) by investigating ways to implement LARC at time frames other than the traditional family planning visit, while simultaneously training new independent clinician-researchers focused on family planning in the US, Malawi and Zambia. Dr. Stuart’s career objectives are to complete ...Read more >

Objective: Effective postpartum contraception helps space births and reduce unintended pregnancy. We explore predictors, including trust, of choosing effective postpartum contraception among a cohort of pregnant women. Methods: This prospective, observational study enrolled adult English-speaking pregnant women during prenatal care. We administered surveys at enrollment and prior to discharge. Our primary predictor was trust in ...Read more >