Explore Our Research
Beyond the Pill promotes access and equity in contraceptive health care. We build the research foundation to transform clinical care and patients' lives worldwide.
The Beyond the Pill research program investigates policy-relevant questions about reproductive health. Through research, we aim to improve contraceptive care in the US and globally through changes in access, care, and policy. Our research focuses on underserved populations, including adolescents and people in low-resource settings, with the goal of reducing health disparities and enhancing reproductive autonomy. We are an interdisciplinary team of clinician-scientists and social scientists, working together to make a real-world impact.
Our research is guided by a commitment to:
- Access: We experiment with new ways to improve access to the full spectrum of contraceptive options.
- Autonomy: We believe in empowering patients to make informed and voluntary choices.
- Equity: We are committed to reducing health disparities in the United States and globally.
| Learn more about REACH Youth: Reproductive Equity and Access in College Health, our ongoing study supporting reproductive health and gender equity for community college students. |
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Current Research Areas
Featured Research: Young people experiencing mental health distress are more likely to delay getting the contraception they think they need.
In a 2024 study published in the Journal of Women's Health, we found a strong association between mental distress and delayed contraception among young people. The findings suggest that interventions are needed to increase contraceptive access for young people delaying care, along with supportive mental health care services, including for adolescents who face elevated odds of delay.
Fig. 1. Percentage of participants delaying getting contraception, by symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. aOR, adjusted odds ratio.
