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Pregnancy-capable individuals with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) hold an inherent distrust of the healthcare system. This is one reason why contraceptive counseling could be a challenge for this population. New research through Boston Medical Center shows that individuals with OUD exhibit similarities to individuals with other chronic medical conditions when they are choosing a contraceptive method.
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Title X organizations and other groups praised the Biden administration for reversing the draconian changes to the Title X family planning program that were enacted in 2019 under the Trump administration.
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The recent Texas law that banned abortions after six weeks gestation was written to be enforced by almost anyone, anywhere in the United States — creating a bounty hunter system. It could turn neighbors against neighbors, family members against family members, and incentivize strangers to spy on women.
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The largest and most damaging crack in the Roe v. Wade bulwark of abortion access was breached Sept. 1, when the U.S. Supreme Court’s inaction allowed the state of Texas to ban abortions after six weeks of gestation. There are no exceptions for rape or incest. The law gives about any person in the nation the right to sue the abortion provider and anyone else who assisted someone with abortion care.
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Menstrual cycles can vary and be inconsistent among female athletes. Physicians and other providers could miss important health problems if they downplay athletes’ cycle changes or differences. A new study shows that a tool, called the Health and Reproductive Survey, can assess menstrual function in physically active females.
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Women with opioid use disorder are more likely to become pregnant unintentionally. They often encounter contraception barriers, including inadequate counseling.
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Reproductive health providers use contraceptive counseling techniques largely based on an able-bodied norm, ignoring the needs of people with disabilities. New research suggests that better communication tactics are needed to reduce disparities and remove barriers for people who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as for people with other disabilities.
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Several new studies highlight problems people with disabilities experience when trying to access contraceptive care. These include barriers related to educational material that is not designed with disabilities in mind as well as attitudes and biases among reproductive health providers and clinicians.
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New research shows more supportive counseling in reproductive health is needed for adolescents, especially after sexual initiation, and in support of adherence or tolerance of side effects. Access to different types of birth control has increased in the past decade, but not as much progress has been made in supporting decision-making or counseling with respect to neurodevelopmental functioning.
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Social and behavioral change are important factors to consider and incorporate into family planning, even before a woman enters a provider’s office. Some social and behavioral change tactics include shared decision-making, ideational models, multifaceted community campaigns, and value clarification exercises.
