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 >

Objectives: To test an algorithm for determining IV sedation dosing that takes individual factors into account during first trimester surgical abortion. Methods: We conducted a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial, comparing pain scores in patients undergoing first trimester surgical abortion, who receive IV sedation according to standard practice or an algorithm that determines dose based on ...Read more >

Objective: To evaluate adjunctive misoprostol or mifepristone versus overnight osmotic dilators alone for cervical preparation before dilation and evacuation at 16-23+6/7 weeks. Methods: This double-blind, three arm multicenter randomized trial compared osmotic dilators alone, dilators plus 400 mcg of buccal misoprostol 3 hours preoperatively and dilators plus 200 mg of oral mifepristone during dilator placement ...Read more >

Background: In both legally restricted and less restricted settings in Mexico, women purchase misoprostol in community pharmacies without a prescription and use it at home. Because these abortions occur outside the health-care system, little is known about how women learn about misoprostol, assess their eligibility, know appropriate dosing regimens, and recognize complications. Identifying and assessing ...Read more >

Harvard Medical School is currently undergoing major curriculum reform, which provides a unique opportunity. Increased student exposure to abortion patients and science has the potential to improve understanding within the whole graduating medical school class, eventually increasing abortion sympathy of future physicians entering all medical specialties. This, in turn, may lead to expanded abortion provision ...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 >