Contraceptive Technology Update – April 1, 2023

Access to Mifepristone Still in Legal Limbo

A federal judge may block the use of the safe and effective abortion drug mifepristone after hearing a lawsuit by an anti-abortion organization. The group claimed the FDA had improperly approved mifepristone in 2000.

Misoprostol Alone Is an Option for Self-Managed Abortion

Self-managed medication abortion with misoprostol alone can work well when mifepristone is unavailable because of state laws or other access obstacles, according to a recent study.

Abortion Restrictions Affect Women’s Mental Health

Increasingly, women are experiencing psychosocial issues because of state restrictions on abortion access, according to recent research. Financial pressure, waiting periods, gestational limits, and fear of stigma and judgment all contribute to psychosocial stress.

Tactics Needed to Handle Potential State Bans on Emergency Contraception

Increasingly, states are considering bans on contraception, such as IUDs and emergency contraception, in their rush to increase reproductive health barriers in the post-Roe era.

Title X Programs Could Expand into Primary Care Settings

Family planning services could reach more low-income and underserved communities if Title X services integrated family planning into primary care settings, according to recent research.

Teenagers Respond Well to a Sexual Health Texting Intervention

Sexually active women, ages 15 to 19 years, report higher rates of unintended pregnancy than other age groups. Women ages 15 to 24 years are at greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. A text messaging intervention designed to engage adolescents could help them improve their reproductive health and prevent pregnancies, research shows.

Telehealth Contraception Is an Option for Victims of Violence

Patients who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) reported favorable outcomes for both telehealth contraceptive care and IPV services. From a clinician’s perspective, this means they can be assured that patients will receive the same quality of care, whether they meet with the patient through a telehealth visit or in person.