Disparities in family planning

Christine Dehlendorf, Maria Isabel Rodriguez, Kira Levy, Sonya Borrero, Jody Steinauer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

283 Scopus citations

Abstract

Prominent racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in rates of unintended pregnancy, abortion, and unintended births exist in the United States. These disparities can contribute to the cycle of disadvantage experienced by specific demographic groups when women are unable to control their fertility as desired. In this review we consider 3 factors that contribute to disparities in family planning outcomes: patient preferences and behaviors, health care system factors, and provider-related factors. Through addressing barriers to access to family planning services, including abortion and contraception, and working to ensure that all women receive patient-centered reproductive health care, health care providers and policy makers can substantially improve the ability of women from all racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to make informed decisions about their fertility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)214-220
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume202
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • abortion
  • contraception
  • family planning
  • health disparities
  • unintended pregnancy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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