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
April 2012
Policy
View details about our upcoming May 10 conference and register online!
January 2012
New Reproductive Health & Justice Research Blog
Visit our new resource which highlights recent research findings in the field of reproductive health and justice.
December 2011
Policy
The Section announces a Call for Papers for our seventh annual conference titled "Reproductive Health Disparities among Youth: Improving Services and Ensuring Access."
October 2011
Research
The Section presented research on contraceptive pathways of adolescent mothers [PDF], use of long-acting contraception [PDF], dual method use [PDF], and IUD complications [PDF] at the National Forum on Family Planning in Washington, DC.
October 2011
Policy
Read our recent article on RH Reality Check
The article discusses soon-to-be published findings from the Postpartum ABCs study showing that, in addition to affordability, teen moms need support from providers, family and friends when choosing an IUD as their contraceptive method.
August 2011
Research
Reducing Service Delivery Barriers to IUD Uptake in Title X Clinics in Chicago [PDF]
New research presented at the 2011 Title X Family Planning National Grantee Meeting in Miami.
August 2011
Education
From July 31st to August 7th, we hosted Game Changer, a one week game design camp for high school students combining art, design, computer programming and health education. Find out more about the program here.
Publications
November 2011
Youth Awareness of a Minor's Right to Access Reproductive Health Services Independently [PDF]
This brief highlights findings from a recent study which revealed that a number of teens were not aware that Illinois minorscould legally access a range of reproductive health services without parental permission.
September 2011
Newly published: research briefs on adolescent motherhood
A new set of research briefs highlights key results from the Postpartum Adolescent Birth Control Study.
August 2011
Factors influencing uptake of intrauterine devices among postpartum adolescents: a qualitative study (link)
Using data from the Postpartum Adolescent Birth Control Study, a new paper from the Section examines how healthcare providers and members of adolescents’ support networks may help or hinder uptake of postpartum IUDs.
July 2011
Medicaid Family Planning Services: Leveraging Opportunities in Health Reform to Expand & Simplify Access [PDF]
This report explores two health reform-related changes to Medicaid that could dramatically expand access to family planning services for low-income individuals and an additional enrollment option states can use to allow immediate Medicaid coverage for needed family planning services and supplies, including highly effective contraception.
May 2011
Requiring Parental Notice of Abortion in Illinois: The Perspective of Pregnant Teens [PDF]
This brief presents research findings from a larger study of minors and decision-making around parental involvement and highlights quotes from pregnant teens describing their thoughts about parental involvement laws. [PDF]
May 2011
Newly published: Bibliography on Adolescent Motherhood
Results from our multidisciplinary literature search with a special focus on African Americans. [PDF]
