The Section of Family Planning and Contraceptive Research at the University of Chicago is committed to helping women and girls reach their full potential by bringing a life-course perspective to reproductive health.
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We conduct clinical and social science research to improve the reproductive health of women and adolescents. Our research explores how biological, interpersonal, and structural factors affect family planning attitudes and behaviors. see more >
The Section is the proud to provide comprehensive family planning services through our clinics. see more >
Through our policy program, we advocate for policies that reduce disparities and improve the health of families by guiding research priorities and making research findings accessible. see more >
Through our education program, we help individuals and communities achieve sexual and reproductive health. see more >
News
November 2012
Research
Dr. Gilliam joins the Research Advisory Board of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation (BTWF), which was founded in 2011 to foster a more accepting society. The Research Advisory Board is made up of a group of scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds who will advise the Foundation, providing guidance based on sound theory and research.
October 2012
Research
The Section presented research at the National Forum on Family Planning in Denver, Colorado, examining the relationship between insurance type and IUD use among unmarried young women [PDF] and correlates of early versus late teen pregnancy [PDF].
May 2012
Policy
The Section has been selected to partner with the Urban Initiative of the National Institute for Reproductive Health to host a roundtable to address barriers to abortion care in Chicago, Illinois. More info to come!
May 2012
Research
The Section of Family Planning is currently recruiting healthy women aged 16-45 years for an investigational IUD study. If you are interested in receiving more information, check out our Clinical Trials page or call 773-834-7727.
May 2012
Policy
Thank you to all who attended and supported our recent conference!
Publications
April 2013
Policy and Politics of Reproductive Health: Publications from our Conference
In collaboration with the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, we are pleased to announce the publication of several articles from presenters at our 2011 conference on health care reform and reproductive justice. Articles by Harold Pollack, Adam Sonfield, Debra Stulberg, Amy Dworsky, Kym Ahrens, and Amanda Dennis can be found here.
August 2012
Improving Detection and Treatment of Cervical Cancer among Racial & Ethnic Minorities
Section researchers systematically reviewed the literature to determine which interventions improve the screening, diagnosis or treatment of cervical cancer for racial and/or ethnic minorities. The authors concluded that, among other things, patient navigation with telephone support or education may be effective at improving screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
August 2012
Partner Roles in Adolescent Mothers' Contraceptive Use
Qualitative research from the Section highlights the varying roles played by male partners in the contraceptive decision-making of adolescent mothers. The study revealed that while most partners supported adolescents' contraceptive use, others discouraged use over concern about hormonal methods or a desire to have another baby in the near future.
August 2012
Materials on Federal Funding & Sex Education
Three fact sheets offer helpful overviews about federal funding mechanisms which support evidence-based sex education. A brief explores which organizations and curricula receive federal funding in Illinois and analyzes the implications of and solutions to any programmatic shortcomings.
July 2012
Minors Express Mainly Negative Opinions about Parental Notification Laws
In a study published in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, the majority of abortion-seeking minors interviewed believed that a parental notification law would diminish minors' reproductive autonomy and potentially expose them to unwanted pressure or interference in their abortion decision. At the same time, many felt that voluntarily involvment of a trusted adult could benefit minors.
