Publications | Reproductive Health

Key Takeaways: This study examined reproductive coercion among 387 emerging adults, focusing on both heterosexual and sexual minority individuals. Results showed 6.3% of participants experienced reproductive coercion, with significantly higher prevalence among sexual minorities (8.7%) and plurisexual individuals (13%). The study revealed associations between reproductive coercion and poor behavioral health outcomes, including increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and alcohol use. Sexual attraction emerged as a key risk factor, with individuals attracted to multiple genders facing the highest risks. Findings highlight the intersection of intimate partner violence and sexual orientation, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and further research​​.

Lab Author:
Dr. Laura Swan

Key Takeaways: This study evaluated racial disparities in post-operative pain management following cesarean births, revealing that non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic birthing persons reported higher pain scores compared to non-Hispanic White counterparts. Despite higher pain levels, Black individuals did not receive increased opioid doses, while Hispanic birthing persons showed similar opioid use. Non-Hispanic Asian individuals reported comparable pain scores to Whites but received lower opioid doses. These disparities, persisting even after controlling for confounding factors, highlight inequities in pain management for birthing persons of color and underscore the need for equitable and patient-centered approaches in post-operative care​​.

Lab Author:
Dr. Tiffany Green 

Key Takeaways: This article explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to address disparities in obstetrics, maternal–fetal medicine, and neonatology. While AI promises to enhance diagnostic precision and clinical decision-making, biases in its design may perpetuate inequities. Key challenges include integrating diverse datasets, ensuring equity in AI tools, and avoiding the intensification of existing disparities. The authors advocate for multidisciplinary collaboration, ethical oversight, and community involvement to mitigate systemic biases. Equitable AI holds transformative potential for perinatal care but requires robust safeguards and continuous evaluation to ensure it supports marginalized populations effectively​​.

Lab Author:
Dr. Tiffany Green