December 2020: Power Updates Edition

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December 2020: Power Updates Edition

December 31, 2020

There are plenty of articles, publications, and stories published every month. In an effort to help you distinguish fact from fiction, save time in your already busy day, and share news you may not have otherwise seen, here are five stories from the last month we thought you might find interesting:

Pregnancy and Birth

Factors Influencing Women's Decisions About Pregnancy Spacing
We know that when pregnancy occurs within 18 months or less of a previous prior pregnancy or birth, there is a greater likelihood for is a greater possibility for poor health outcomes for both mother and child. We also know that a second pregnancy is more likely to be unintended when it is not widely spaced from the first. In this small study, 49 postpartum women were asked about their pregnancy intentions and what factors influenced their decisions. Most participants with closely spaced pregnancies hoped that their children would have a closer relationship if they were closer in age. Those with spaced pregnancies spaced farther apart gave several reasons for their decision including, needing to recover from the first pregnancy and wanting to wait for “more favorable life circumstances.”

The Lasting Effects of Teen Pregnancy Programs
This study looked at Delta Futures, a community-wide teen pregnancy prevention program across 13 counties that make up the Mississippi Delta. The authors found that participation in the program increased young people’s willingness to use birth control, however, it did not increase their willingness to commit to abstinence. They also found that participating in the program led to sustained intentions around contraception for at least one year. 

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Health Risks And Outcomes That Disproportionately Affect Women During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Studies have shown that men are more likely to become ill and die from the novel coronavirus. However, this literature review found that as the pandemic continues to unfurl, the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19 is greater among women and that the pandemic may have long-reaching impacts on equity in health, social, and economic systems. 

Expanding Pharmacy Capacity for Patient-Centered Reproductive Health Services
This commentary, written by a pharmacist from San Diego, CA, and an abortion services referral coordinator from Round Rock, TX, discusses the general benefits of pharmacy prescribing of birth control. The commentary also focuses on benefits for those in greatest need of other sources of reproductive and sexual health care services. 

State Policy Trends 2020: Reproductive Health and Rights in a Year Like No Other
The authors of this article analyzed state policy trends over the course of the year. They cover the coronavirus, abortion, pregnancy care and maternal mortality, and other reproductive health services. Key findings include:

  • 131 provisions introduced that would protect or expand access to abortion care.
  • 158 provisions introduced that would expand access to or improve the quality of maternal health care.
  • 152 provisions introduced that would protect or expand access to contraceptive services.
  • 509 provisions introduced that would protect reproductive rights or expand access to reproductive health.