Publications | Contraception

Key Takeaways: This study explores patient experiences of healthcare provider-based contraceptive coercion, focusing on both upward (pressuring to use birth control) and downward (discouraging birth control use) coercion. Surveying 1,197 U.S. individuals assigned female at birth, researchers found that over 18% experienced coercion during their last contraceptive counseling and 42% at some point in their lifetime. The study introduces the Coercion in Contraceptive Care Checklist, revealing nuanced forms of coercion, such as refusal to remove a contraceptive method or pressure to use long-acting reversible contraceptives. Findings highlight the need for patient-centered care and tools to reliably measure and address coercion​​.

Lab Authors:
Dr. Laura Swan
Lindsay Cannon

Key Takeaways: This study surveyed 462 Mississippi residents assigned female at birth to identify barriers preventing individuals from accessing their preferred contraception. Results showed that nearly 40% of participants were not using their desired contraceptive method due to barriers, with cost and insurance coverage being the most cited. Other challenges included long wait times, inconvenient clinic hours, and limited provider availability. Those facing barriers were almost twice as likely to experience unmet contraceptive need, underscoring the impact of health system limitations on reproductive autonomy and the need for policy reforms to improve accessibility and autonomy.

Lab Author:
Klaira Lerma

Key Takeaways: This 2021 study conducted in Wisconsin focused on how financial stress and resource deprivation limited access to preferred contraception. Survey participants reported challenges affording contraception, compounded by limited transportation, childcare constraints, and job inflexibility. These factors prevented many from accessing timely and consistent contraceptive care, leading to higher unmet contraceptive needs. Findings indicate that socioeconomic barriers significantly impact reproductive autonomy, suggesting a need for policies that address financial and logistical support to enable equitable contraceptive access, especially for financially vulnerable populations​.

Lab Authors:
Dr. Laura Swan
Dr. Tiffany Green