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Review assesses relationship between race, ethnicity and preferred contraceptive features

February 24, 2016

In this study, researchers examined racial and ethnic differences in women's preferred contraceptive method features. They "found that there was no contraceptive method that completely matched any racial or ethnic group's stated preferences, with women of color having preferences for features that appear to more closely match lower efficacy methods as compared to Whites." The researchers said disparities in the unintended pregnancy rate likely could be addressed via patient-centered contraceptive counseling, as well "attention to the need for contraceptive methods that meet a greater number of women's feature preferences."

Study examines how excluding Planned Parenthood from the Texas Women's Health Program affects care

February 24, 2016

In this study, researchers examine the effect of excluding Planned Parenthood from the Texas Women's Health Program and found it "was associated with adverse changes in the rates of provision and continuation of contraception and with increases in the rate of childbirth covered by Medicaid." According to the researchers, the study has "implications regarding the likely consequences of proposals to exclude Planned Parenthood affiliates from public funding in other states or at the national level."

Out-of-pocket costs of contraception down almost 70% since ACA's implementation, study finds

February 24, 2016

In this study, the researchers assess how the contraceptive coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act have affected out-of-pocket costs for FDA-approved birth control methods. Looking at claims for contraceptives in a large database, the researchers find that mean out-of-pocket costs per contraceptive claim fell by 66.7% for contraceptives overall between 2011 and 2013.

Study evaluates women's experiences accessing abortion care after enforcement of HB 2

February 24, 2016

In this study, researchers examine women's experiences seeking abortion care in Texas after the state began enforcing provisions of the state's omnibus antiabortion-rights law (HB 2). The researchers find that "[i]n the period after clinics closed due to enforcement of HB2, women faced added informational, geographic and financial obstacles to abortion care."

Review examines adolescents' experiences with reproductive health visits

February 24, 2016

In this study, researchers review adolescents' experiences with sexual and reproductive health-related physician visits to "develo[p] recommendations for providers to improve the quality and frequency" of such conversations. The researchers find that factors such as environment, patient-provider relationship, language choice and availability of additional resources can influence reproductive health visits.

Study assesses adolescent providers' understanding of EC policies

February 24, 2016

In this study, authors look at adolescent providers' "awareness and impact of current over the counter emergency contraception (EC) policies." The researchers find that the medical professionals "may lack awareness of EC policy" and suggest bolstering medical residents' training on the issue to "addres[s] adolescent EC underuse."

Survey Examines Provider Opinions on Pharmacy Access to Contraceptives

January 27, 2016

In this survey, researchers examine physician and midlevel providers' opinions on pharmacist-initiated hormonal contraception, as well as over-the-counter and behind-the-counter access. The survey finds that providers support pharmacist-initiated access, although the researchers note that policy changes will be needed to ensure reimbursement and pharmacist training if such access is implemented.

Study Evaluates Patients' Perceptions of Mandatory Delay Requirement

January 27, 2016

In this study, researchers examine women's perception of how Arizona's mandatory delay might affect their ability to access abortion care. The researchers found that the "majority of participants reported anticipating at least one negative outcome from the two-visit, 24-hour [mandatory delay] period, and felt that the law would negatively impact their well-being."

Study Evaluates Health Consequences for Women Provided, Denied Abortion Care

January 27, 2016

In this study, the researchers seek to "compar[e] the health consequences of having an abortion versus carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term." According to the authors, the "results reinforce the existing data on the safety of induced abortion when compared with childbirth, and highlight the risk of serious morbidity and mortality associated with childbirth after an unwanted pregnancy."

Study Examines Relationship Between Patients' Out-of-Pocket Costs and LARC Use

January 27, 2016

In this study, researchers look at how out-of-pocket costs affected patients' decision to use long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, and find that "out-of-pocket cost is a significant barrier to patient utilization" of LARC devices. They urge providers to "continue to help patients find affordable LARC placement whether through Title X programs, patient assistance programs, use of new lower-cost IUDs or others," while also continuing "to work toward lowering the costs of long-acting contraception and advocat[ing] for no-cost comprehensive coverage for all."

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