Session: Contraception Access and Experiences: Using a Reproductive Justice Lens to Center Social Justice (Society for Social Work and Research 28th Annual Conference - Recentering & Democratizing Knowledge: The Next 30 Years of Social Work Science)

The ability and resources to self-determine whether and when to have a child dramatically impacts quality of life. Reproductive justice (RJ) is a practical human rights-based framework that highlights the importance of self-determining whether and when to have a child, the right to raise children in safe and sustainable communities, and the right to sexual and bodily autonomy. Contraception is a tool that allows birthing people to facilitate their right to self-determine whether and when to become a parent. This symposium will share investigations of contraception use, access, and care delivery using a reproductive justice lens.

Study 1 is a qualitative descriptive investigation analyzing interviews with 25 self-identified women in Montana about their experiences accessing contraceptive services. The following themes were identified: (1) Impact of stigma in accessing care; (2) Physical barriers to accessing care; and (3) Provider-related barriers. These results showcase the experiences of rural perinatal people in accessing contraceptive services and highlight how barriers such as a lack of providers are compounded by additional barriers such as stigma and winter weather. Opportunities to increase access to contraceptive care are also described.

Study 2 is a qualitative study that uses data from 830 applications to an abortion fund. It focuses on the contraceptive experiences of abortion fund applicants highlighting various elements that restrict the realization of RJ in the Rocky Mountain Region. Four central themes emerged: (1) contraceptive failure; (2) negative side effects of contraceptives; (3) lack of access to contraceptives; and (4) reproductive coercion and relationship factors. The findings of this study suggest the need for several intervention strategies-from expanded access to over-the-counter contraception to the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education-that may reduce barriers to achieving reproductive autonomy at various levels.

Study 3 is a qualitative description approach to understand current practices, gaps, and strategies for improved coordination and integration of SRH in disaster planning, preparedness, and response activities. Researchers interviewed sexual and reproductive health service providers and disaster management and emergency preparedness service providers in Louisiana. Themes arose, including a) Different forms of disasters and their impact on SRH service provision, b) Disaster funding sources' impact on SRH needs, and c) The impacts disasters have on the people they serve. The authors offer solutions to incorporate holistic health needs, including sexual and reproductive health, in disaster responses for individuals and communities that experience disasters.

Study 4 is a quantitative study that examined associations between contraceptive coercion, reproductive autonomy, and mental health in the United States. Participants (N=1500) completed an online survey about their health and contraceptive care. Researchers analyzed associations between experiences of contraceptive coercion and patient reproductive autonomy, mental health, and well-being. People who experienced contraceptive coercion at their last visit were less likely to be using their preferred contraception and reported higher levels of psychological distress and lower well-being. There is a need for initiatives that address provider biases and coercive practices at both interpersonal and systemic levels. Findings are especially relevant for social workers employed in healthcare and/or mental health settings.