Understanding drug use and overdose risks among Black pregnant and postpartum women
OVAL: Overdoses Among Black pregnant/Postpartum People and Laws Governing Drug Use in Pregnancy: A Mixed-Methods Project to Support Mobilization
This study looks at the struggles that Black women face during and after pregnancy when they use drugs, especially how laws about drug use can affect their health and access to care, with the hope of finding ways to improve support and resources for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morehouse School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10908716 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges faced by Black pregnant and postpartum women who use drugs, focusing on the intersection of maternal mortality, overdose rates, and discrimination. It employs a mixed-methods approach to gather qualitative and quantitative data on how laws governing drug use in pregnancy affect these women's health and access to care. By examining both punitive and supportive legislative measures, the research aims to highlight the impact of these laws on health outcomes and service utilization. The goal is to mobilize resources and inform policy changes that better support this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are Black pregnant or postpartum women who have experienced drug use and are affected by the current legal landscape surrounding drug use in pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Black or who are not pregnant or postpartum may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and support systems for Black pregnant and postpartum women who use drugs.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on maternal health and drug use, this specific focus on Black pregnant and postpartum women in the context of legal implications is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Morehouse School of Medicine — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Hannah Lf — Morehouse School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Hannah Lf
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.