Investigating how state policies affect unintended pregnancies among sexual minority women
Sexual orientation-related disparities in unintended pregnancies by state-level policy and structural contexts
This study is looking at why sexual minority women, especially those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, have higher rates of unintended pregnancies, and it aims to find out how things like stigma and local laws affect their access to family planning services, so we can help improve their healthcare options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Canton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10864213 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the disparities in unintended pregnancies among sexual minority women (SMW), particularly those who are racial/ethnic minorities. It examines how stigma, discrimination, and state-level policies related to reproductive health impact access to family planning services. By analyzing longitudinal data from large cohorts, the study aims to identify the specific factors contributing to higher rates of unintended pregnancies in this population. The findings could inform policy changes to improve reproductive healthcare access for SMW.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are sexual minority women, particularly those who are racial/ethnic minorities and live in states with restrictive reproductive health policies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as sexual minority women or those living in states with supportive reproductive health policies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved reproductive healthcare policies that reduce unintended pregnancies among sexual minority women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has highlighted disparities in reproductive health access among sexual minority populations, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Canton, UNITED STATES
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. — Canton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakraborty, Payal — Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
- Study coordinator: Chakraborty, Payal
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.