Interest in over-the-counter progestin-only pills among transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals in the United States.

BACKGROUND: In July 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first nonprescription oral contraceptive, a progestin-only pill, in the United States. Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people assigned female or intersex at birth face substantial contraceptive access barriers and may benefit from over-the-counter oral contraceptive access. However, no previous research has explored their perspectives on this topic. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure interest in over-the-counter progestin-only pill use among transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals assigned female or intersex at birth. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an online, cross-sectional survey from May to September 2019 (before the US Food and Drug Administration approval of a progestin-only pill) among a convenience sample of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people assigned female or intersex at birth who were aged 18 to 49 years from across the United States. Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses, we estimated interest in over-the-counter progestin-only pill use (our outcome) overall and by sociodemographic and reproductive health characteristics (our exposures). We evaluated separate logistic regression models for each exposure. In each model, we included the minimally sufficient adjustment set to control for confounding pathways between the exposure and outcome. For the model for age, we ran a univariable logistic regression model; for all other exposures, we ran multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 1415 participants in our sample (median age, 26 years), 45.0% (636/1415; 95% confidence interval, 42.3-47.6) were interested in over-the-counter progestin-only pill use. In separate logistic regression models for each exposure, there were higher odds of interest among participants who were aged 18 to 24 years (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.10; vs those aged 25-34 years), those who were uninsured (adjusted odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.93; vs insured), those who currently used oral contraceptives (adjusted odds ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.44; vs non-users), had ≤high school degree (adjusted odds ratio, 3.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.94-4.71; vs college degree), had ever used progestin-only pills (adjusted odds ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.70-3.17; vs never users), and who wanted to avoid estrogen generally (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.67; vs those who did not want to avoid estrogen generally) or specifically because they viewed it as a feminizing hormone (adjusted odds ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-2.19; vs those who did not want to avoid estrogen because they viewed it as a feminizing hormone). There were lower odds of interest among participants with a graduate or professional degree (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.96; vs college degree), those who were sterilized (adjusted odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.79; vs not sterilized), and those who had ever used testosterone for gender affirmation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.90; vs never users). CONCLUSION: Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals were interested in over-the-counter progestin-only pill use, and its availability has the potential to improve contraceptive access for this population.

Unintended Pregnancy and Abortion in the US Navy, 2016.

BACKGROUND: The unintended pregnancy rate in the US military is higher than among civilians. While 42% of unintended pregnancies end in abortion among civilian women, there are no data on the prevalence of abortion in the military overall or by service branch. OBJECTIVE: This analysis was conducted to estimate unintended pregnancy rates and the percentage of unintended pregnancies that resulted in abortion among active-duty US Navy members aged 44 years or younger reporting female gender in 2016. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey data from the 2016 Navy Pregnancy and Parenthood Survey, collected from August to November 2016. PARTICIPANTS: Our sample included 3,423 active-duty US Navy members aged 44 years or younger reporting female gender, generated from a stratified random sample of 38% of all active-duty Navy women in pay grades E2-E9 and O1-O5 in 2016; the survey had a 20% response rate for females. MAIN MEASURES: We calculated pregnancy and unintended pregnancy rates, the percentage of pregnancies that were unintended, and the percentage of unintended pregnancies resulting in birth and abortion in the prior fiscal year. KEY RESULTS: Overall, the self-reported unintended pregnancy rate was 52 per 1,000 participants and 38.1% of pregnancies were unintended. The adjusted unintended pregnancy rate accounting for abortion underreporting was 68 per 1,000 participants. Unintended pregnancy rates were highest among individuals who were younger (aged 18-24) and in enlisted pay grades, compared to their counterparts. Six percent reported their unintended pregnancy resulted in abortion. Six respondents reported becoming pregnant while deployed; none of these pregnancies resulted in abortion. CONCLUSIONS: In this first study to report on abortion prevalence among US servicemembers, we found the proportion of unintended pregnancies resulting in abortion among a sample of US Navy members in 2016 was much lower than civilians, yet unintended pregnancy rates were higher.

Patient experiences with pharmacist prescribed hormonal contraception in California independent and chain pharmacies.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacist contraception care is an innovative practice that is rapidly expanding with policy changes. There is limited literature describing patient experiences with this pharmacist service. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe patient experiences using pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception in California pharmacies. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among a cross-sectional convenience sample of people of all ages who completed a contraception visit with a pharmacist from December 2017 to January 2019 at a participating independent or chain pharmacy in California. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data on patient characteristics, experiences and satisfaction with the service, and preventive health screenings. RESULTS: A total of 160 individuals completed the survey and nearly all were adults (97%) and had started or completed postsecondary education (85%). Most (72%) visited the pharmacy to get a prescription for a contraceptive method they were already using. The most common method prescribed was the pill (90%). The most common reason for seeking a prescription at a pharmacy was because it would be faster than waiting for a doctor's appointment (74%), followed by the location and hours being more convenient (46% and 41%), saving money (28%), and not having a regular doctor (26%). Respondents reported satisfaction with the services overall (97%), level of comfort they felt with the pharmacist (94%), counseling provided (86%), and level of privacy (74%). Nearly all were likely to return to a pharmacist for contraception (96%) and recommend the service to a friend (95%). CONCLUSION: Pharmacist prescribing of contraception in community pharmacies provided a convenient access point that was highly acceptable to patients who used it. One area for attention is in the level of privacy during contraception visits. These findings support the effectiveness of direct pharmacy access to contraception and encourage pharmacist contraception prescribing policies and widespread implementation.

Pharmacists' perspectives on prescribing hormonal contraception in Washington, DC, with a focus on young people.

OBJECTIVE: To assess pharmacists' interest, comfort level, training needs, and barriers to prescribing hormonal contraceptives, particularly in the context of serving young people in Washington, DC. DESIGN: In this mixed-methods study, we conducted a focus group discussion with pharmacists in February 2017, which was analyzed thematically using inductive and deductive coding. In January 2018 to June 2018, we conducted a survey with pharmacists, which was analyzed using descriptive statistics. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Community and outpatient pharmacists in Washington, DC. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Pharmacists' interest and comfort level to begin prescribing hormonal contraception, particularly in the context of serving young people. RESULTS: A total of 6 pharmacists participated in the focus group discussion, and 82 pharmacists participated in the online survey. In the survey, 59% of pharmacists were interested in prescribing hormonal contraception as independent practitioners and 63% through collaborative practice agreements; focus group participants believed that other pharmacists might be less likely to participate. In addition, focus group and survey respondents reported high levels of comfort with activities related to prescribing hormonal contraception, including 96% of survey participants reporting comfort taking blood pressure and 93% reporting comfort counseling young women on hormonal contraceptive methods. Only 25% of pharmacists reported having a private consultation space that provided both visual and auditory privacy. To ensure that pharmacies were ready to implement this service, pharmacists identified multiple concerns that needed to be addressed, including workload, liability issues, compensation, and a need for additional training on hormonal contraceptive methods, and how to counsel young people on them. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists in Washington, DC, are interested in and comfortable with activities related to prescribing hormonal contraception, including to young people. However, to become ready to offer these services, pharmacists desire additional training, and pharmacies need to ensure confidentiality for young people and address pharmacists' concerns about workload, liability, and compensation.

Military sexual trauma among US servicewomen during deployment: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: We explored qualitatively US servicewomen's experiences with and perceptions of military sexual trauma (MST), reporting, and related services. METHODS: From May 2011 to January 2012, we conducted 22 telephone interviews with US servicewomen deployed overseas between 2002 and 2011. We analyzed data thematically with modified grounded theory methods. RESULTS: Factors identified as contributing to MST included deployment dynamics, military culture, and lack of consequences for perpetrators. Participants attributed low MST reporting to negative reactions and blame from peers and supervisors, concerns about confidentiality, and stigma. Unit cohesion was cited as both a facilitator and a barrier to reporting. Availability and awareness of MST services during deployment varied. Barriers to care seeking were similar to reporting barriers and included confidentiality concerns and stigma. We identified several avenues to address MST, including strengthening consequences for perpetrators. CONCLUSIONS: We identified barriers to MST reporting and services. Better understanding of these issues will allow policymakers to improve MST prevention and services.

Changes in service delivery patterns after introduction of telemedicine provision of medical abortion in Iowa.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the effect of a telemedicine model providing medical abortion on service delivery in a clinic system in Iowa. METHODS: We reviewed Iowa vital statistic data and billing data from the clinic system for all abortion encounters during the 2 years prior to and after the introduction of telemedicine in June 2008 (n = 17,956 encounters). We calculated the distance from the patient's residential zip code to the clinic and to the closest clinic providing surgical abortion. RESULTS: The abortion rate decreased in Iowa after telemedicine introduction, and the proportion of abortions in the clinics that were medical increased from 46% to 54%. After telemedicine was introduced, and with adjustment for other factors, clinic patients had increased odds of obtaining both medical abortion and abortion before 13 weeks' gestation. Although distance traveled to the clinic decreased only slightly, women living farther than 50 miles from the nearest clinic offering surgical abortion were more likely to obtain an abortion after telemedicine introduction. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine could improve access to medical abortion, especially for women living in remote areas, and reduce second-trimester abortion.

Experiences of progestin-only pill users in the United States and attitudes toward over-the-counter access.

CONTEXT: Removing the prescription requirement and making oral contraceptive pills available over the counter (OTC) could increase contraceptive access in the United States. Despite current efforts to make a progestin-only pill (POP) available OTC, there are no qualitative data exploring the experiences of POP users and their perspectives on making POPs available OTC. METHODS: We conducted six online, asynchronous focus group discussions with 36 POP users between July and November 2020. We stratified focus group discussion placement based on three reasons for POP use: breastfeeding, having a contraindication to estrogen (for a reason other than breastfeeding), and for any other reason. We thematically analyzed these data using inductive and deductive coding. RESULTS: The majority of participants described their overall POP experience as positive, mostly because they experienced minor or no side effects and thought the pill was effective. Participants overwhelmingly supported OTC availability of POPs and expressed interest in purchasing an OTC POP. Over one-third of participants had very limited knowledge or held inaccurate assumptions about POPs before they started using this method and many stressed the need to disseminate accurate information and resources about POPs to the public. CONCLUSIONS: Most focus group discussion participants were satisfied with POPs and supported OTC access. While misconceptions and concerns about POPs should be addressed, an OTC POP has the potential to be a safe, effective, and convenient contraceptive option in the United States.

Who Accesses Birth Control Online? An Analysis of Requests for Contraception Submitted to an Online Prescribing Platform in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Telehealth has the potential to increase contraceptive access. Little is known about the characteristics of people using online prescribing platforms or whether these services help fill access gaps. METHODS: We analyzed requests for contraception submitted between July 2015 and September 2017 to an online prescribing platform that offers sexual and reproductive care in the United States. We analyzed the characteristics of people seeking contraceptives, prevalence of contraindications to hormonal contraception among contraceptive seekers, and extent to which online prescribing may close contraceptive access gaps. RESULTS: A total of 38,439 requests for prescription hormonal birth control were received during the study period, with requests increasing dramatically over this timeframe as the platform expanded operations to an increasing number of states. Methods were dispensed in response to 63% of requests. In this population seeking contraception, an estimated 1.2% had a contraindication to progestin-only pills, and an estimated 12.0% of patients who reported their blood pressure had a contraindication to combined hormonal methods. Few requests came from patients younger than 18 (1.2%). In multivariable negative binomial models, urban counties had a larger concentration of requests, whereas counties with higher rates of uninsurance and poverty had lower rates of requests. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the population seeking contraception from one online prescribing platform has similar levels of contraindications to hormonal contraceptives as found in prior research. Future research should seek to understand why utilization of this online prescribing platform was lower among young people, how to expand outreach to rural populations, and what underlies individuals' decisions about using these services.

Experiences using a progestin-only pill in an over-the-counter environment in the United States: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Efforts are underway to make a progestin-only pill (POP) over the counter (OTC) in the United States (US); however, little is known about POP user experiences, which could impact uptake and continuation. METHODS: From January 2020-September 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey with individuals who used OTC POPs in a US trial. We calculated descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests to assess menstrual bleeding acceptability, how OTC POP experiences compared with prior contraceptive methods, and preferred ways to get answers to questions during OTC POP use. RESULTS: Among 550 adult and 115 adolescent participants, 80% (n=531) felt their menstrual bleeding was acceptable. Participants reported a range of menstrual bleeding experiences compared with prior long-acting or hormonal methods used; 58% (n=84) said the POP bleeding was similar or better and 36% (n=53) said it was worse. Among participants who used contraception in the month prior to the trial, 77% (n=201) said their overall OTC POP experience was similar or better. Top benefits compared with prior methods included less worry about pregnancy, ease of access, fewer side effects, and greater decision-making power. Adults preferred to get answers about OTC POPs via webpage or app, whereas teens preferred asking pharmacists or other healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, OTC POP users in a trial setting found the menstrual bleeding acceptable and the method similar to or better than previous methods. POP labelling should provide clear messaging about bleeding changes users may experience.

Pilot label comprehension study for an over-the-counter combined oral contraceptive pill in the United States.

CONTEXT: A growing body of evidence supports over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives in the United States. An important consideration for over-the-counter approval is consumers' ability to understand key package label messages related to safety and effectiveness without clinician involvement. We developed a prototype over-the-counter Drug Facts Label for a combined oral contraceptive pill and conducted a pilot label comprehension study to evaluate consumer understanding of key messages for use. METHODS: In November-December 2020, we conducted interviews with 163 adults and teens in the United States who were aged 12-49 years and identified as female or another gender but had a uterus and the ability to become pregnant. We developed 11 primary endpoints based on assessment of clinical risks that could occur if consumers fail to heed them, including messages about contraindications and directions for use; 11 secondary endpoints represented additional important information but with lower potential for clinical consequences if not understood. We evaluated endpoint comprehension by computing frequencies, percentages, and 2-sided Exact (Clopper-Pearson) 95% confidence intervals for observed proportions. RESULTS: Ten of the 11 primary endpoints and 10 of the 11 secondary endpoints were each understood by ≥95% of participants. The remaining primary endpoint on use with prior blood clots was understood by 89% of participants. The remaining secondary endpoint on the product being designed for "people who have the ability to become pregnant" was understood by 83% of participants. CONCLUSION: Participants understood the key label information required for safe and effective combined oral contraceptive use without clinician involvement.

Interest in Continued Use After Participation in a Study of Over-the-Counter Progestin-Only Pills in the United States.

Objective: To assess interest in continued use of over-the-counter progestin-only pills among individuals who used them in a trial. Methods: From January 2020 to September 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey with individuals who completed participation in a trial evaluating over-the-counter use of norgestrel 0.075 mg tablets in the United States. We calculated descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression models to assess likelihood of future over-the-counter progestin-only pill use, reasons for interest/noninterest, situations for over-the-counter progestin-only pill use, willingness to pay for an over-the-counter progestin-only pill, likelihood of future preventive health screenings, prior difficulties getting prescription contraception, and background characteristics. Results: Among 550 adult and 115 adolescent participants (75% response rate), 83% reported likelihood of future over-the-counter progestin-only pill use. Hispanic/Latinx and Black participants and adults with public insurance, prior pregnancies, and some college reported higher likelihood of future use compared with their counterparts. Among likely users, 90% were interested in long-term use and 79 % ≥ 25 years of age reported they would get future preventive screenings; participants would pay up to $20/month on average. Primary reasons for interest included convenience (81%), ease of access (80%), and saving time (77%) and money (64%). The primary reason for noninterest was bleeding associated with progestin-only pill use (52%). Conclusion: There was high interest in continuing to use over-the-counter progestin-only pills among individuals who had used them in a study. These findings highlight the real-world acceptability of taking a progestin-only pill without a prescription, and contribute to evidence supporting over-the-counter access.

The impacts of contraceptive stock-outs on users, providers, and facilities: A systematic literature review.

Contraceptive stock-outs are a world-wide problem, yet published research on the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs have not been comprehensively reviewed and synthesised. This systematic review highlights findings about the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs on users, providers, and facilities and identifies topics that should be explored to ensure everyone can access their preferred method of contraception. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Popline, and JSTOR for studies addressing the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs. Of 435 studies, 25 publications addressed the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs. Only two articles focused solely on contraceptive stock-outs; the remaining studies examined stock-outs alongside other factors that may influence contraceptive service provision. Studies discussed how stock-outs limited individuals' ability to use their preferred contraceptive method, influenced where contraceptive methods were obtained and how much they cost, and limited providers' and facilities' abilities to provide contraceptive care. Comparing the impacts of contraceptive stock-outs across studies was challenging, as reliability of stock was sometimes not distinguished from overall method availability, and studies used variable methods to measure stock-outs. Evidence presented in this review can inform efforts to ensure that preferred contraceptive methods are consistently available and accessible to all.

Unintended pregnancy and contraceptive use among women in the U.S. military: a systematic literature review.

U.S. servicewomen's ability to plan pregnancies is of concern to the military in terms of troop readiness and cost and is an important public health issue. Contraception access and use are crucial, particularly given the high prevalence of sexual assault in the military and the benefits of menstrual suppression for deployment. We systematically searched for publications on contraception, unintended pregnancy, and abortion in the military. Pregnancy and unintended pregnancy rates are higher among servicewomen than the general U.S. population. Contraceptive use may be somewhat higher than the nonmilitary population, although use decreases during deployment. Reported use of hormonal methods for menstrual suppression is lower than interest. There are limited data on these topics; more large, representative studies and longitudinal data from all branches are needed, along with qualitative research to explore findings more deeply. Emergency contraception and abortion are particularly underresearched.

Over-the-counter oral contraceptive use among women in Mexico: results from a national survey.

AIM: In Mexico, many pharmacies sell oral contraceptives (OCs) over the counter (OTC); however, little is known about the background characteristics of OTC pill users. The primary objective of this study was to understand the characteristics of OTC OC users in Mexico, including whether there were differences by age, urbanicity, and insurance status. This information is instructive as other countries explore allowing OTC access to OCs. METHODS: We analysed the nationally representative 2014 Mexican National Survey of Demographic Dynamics (ENADID) among a sample of OC users aged 15-54 years (n=1970). We performed multivariable logistic models to understand the characteristics associated with OTC access, with age, urbanicity, and insurance status as our primary predictors of interest. Additionally, we descriptively explored knowledge of how frequently to take OCs by pill source and age. RESULTS: Some 54% of pill users, including 66% of those aged 15-17 years, obtained their OCs OTC. In multivariable regression we found no differences in OTC access by age. However, being uninsured (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.86, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.82) (compared with employer-based public insurance) and living in an urban area (AOR 4.73, 95% CI 3.37 to 6.66) (compared with rural area) were associated with a higher odds of OTC access among pill users. Women's knowledge of how frequently to take OCs was similar between OTC and prescription users within age groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings point to the importance of OTC availability of OCs for pill users of all ages and uninsured and urban women in Mexico in particular.

Contraceptive use and access among deployed US servicewomen: findings from an online survey.

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to survey US servicewomen on their contraceptive access and use during deployment. METHODS: Between June 2016 and July 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among a convenience sample of current and former members of the US Military, National Guard and Reserves who had a deployment ending in 2010 or later. Participants were asked open-ended and closed-ended questions about their demographics and contraceptive use and access before and during their last deployment. Descriptive statistics were run on closed-ended questions and responses to open-ended questions were inductively coded. RESULTS: A total of 353 participants were included. Sixty-five per cent reported using contraception during all or part of their last deployment. Nearly half (49.3%) did not have or remember having a discussion with a military care provider about contraception prior to deployment. Both prior to and during deployment, the free or low cost of birth control and ability to get a full supply for deployment facilitated contraceptive use. Difficulty obtaining an appointment and the inability to get a full supply of birth control were barriers to contraception access both before and during deployment. Half (49.1%) of respondents who had to start or refill contraception during deployment said it was somewhat or very difficult to do so. CONCLUSIONS: For at least some servicewomen, there are barriers to contraceptive access and use prior to and during overseas deployment. Programmes to increase contraceptive access should be expanded and monitoring systems should be implemented to ensure all servicemembers receive predeployment contraceptive counselling.

A Randomized Study Evaluating the Effect of Evidence-Based Information on Clinician Attitudes About Moving Oral Contraceptives Over the Counter.

Objective: To assess whether evidence-based information on progestin-only pills (POPs) and over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptives (OCs) increases support among clinicians for bringing a POP or combined oral contraceptive (COC) OTC and to identify concerns clinicians may have about OTC access to OCs. Materials and Methods: In 2018 a survey of 778 clinicians assessed support for bringing a POP and COC OTC before and after receiving evidence-based information, which was pretested through in-depth interviews. Clinicians were randomized into two groups, stratified by clinician type. One group received information about OTC access to OCs generally, and the second group received OTC information plus information about POPs. Levels of support between arms were compared using robust Poisson models. Results: Before receiving information, 31% of clinicians supported moving a POP OTC. After receiving information, 39% of clinicians who only received OTC information supported moving a POP OTC compared to 61% who received OTC and POP information (relative risk = 1.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.34 to 1.75). Support for bringing a COC OTC increased marginally for those who received OTC and POP information, while support among those who received only OTC information increased by 12 percentage points (to 50%). Among clinicians opposed to moving a POP OTC after receiving information, top concerns included safety (26%), effectiveness (19%), potential for incorrect use (19%), and loss of preventive screenings (15%). Conclusion: Evidence-based information, particularly around POPs, has the potential to change clinician attitudes and address misconceptions about POPs and OTC access.

Modeling the Impacts of Price of an Over-the-Counter Progestin-Only Pill on Use and Unintended Pregnancy among U.S. Women.

OBJECTIVE: To model the impacts of out-of-pocket cost of an over-the-counter (OTC) progestin-only pill on use and associated unintended pregnancy among U.S. women. STUDY DESIGN: Using data from a 2015 nationally representative survey of 2,539 U.S. women aged 15 to 44 assessing interest in using an OTC progestin-only pill, we used discrete survival analysis and a Markov model to analyze women's likelihood of using of an OTC pill at different price points and by sociodemographic characteristics. We modeled the impact of product price on the potential total number of U.S. users and on unintended pregnancies in 1 year among adult women at risk of unintended pregnancy. RESULTS: In a model assuming no out-of-pocket costs, more than 12.5 million adults and 1.75 million teens reported likely use of an OTC progestin-only pill if available. Among adults, this resulted in an estimated 8% decrease in unintended pregnancy in 1 year. Adult and teen women on average were willing to pay $15 and $10, respectively, resulting in 7.1 million adult and 1.3 million teen users and an estimated 5% decrease in unintended pregnancy among adults. CONCLUSIONS: At low and no out-of-pocket cost, a large population of women in the United States might likely use an OTC progestin-only pill. A low retail price and insurance coverage are necessary to provide equitable access to this method for low-income populations across the United States, fill current gaps in contraceptive access, and potentially decrease unintended pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Abortion: Experiences and Attitudes of Deployed U.S. Servicewomen.

INTRODUCTION: More U.S. servicewomen than civilian women experience unintended pregnancies, which can impact their health, well-being, and careers. Despite this, federal policy limits abortion access and coverage for military personnel to cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment. This study aimed to document servicewomen's experiences with unintended pregnancy and abortion during deployment, and their knowledge and opinions of military policies related to sexual activity, pregnancy, and abortion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2016 and July 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among a convenience sample of current and former U.S. Military, National Guard, and Reserves members whose last deployment ended in 2010 or later. We asked open- and closed-ended questions about demographics, experiences with pregnancy and abortion during deployment, and knowledge and opinions of military policies related to sexual activity, pregnancy, and abortion. We ran descriptive statistics on closed-ended questions and inductively coded open-ended question responses. This study was approved by the Allendale Investigational Review Board. RESULTS: A total of 319 participants were included. The majority said that servicewomen are reprimanded for sexual activity and becoming pregnant during deployment in all or some circumstances. Among these respondents, one-third said that fear of reprimand for sexual activity affects deployed servicewomen's use of contraception. Twenty respondents became pregnant or discovered that they were pregnant during deployment; twelve were unable to access the pregnancy- and/or abortion-related services they wanted or needed. Among those whose last deployment ended in 2013 or later (n = 141), when federal policy expanded abortion coverage for servicemembers to include cases of rape and incest, the minority knew the correct coverage or provision policies for abortion in cases of rape and incest or life endangerment. The majority believed that the military should cover and provide abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment and for unwanted pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Among this convenience sample of current and former servicewomen with an overseas deployment that ended in 2010 or later, 6% became pregnant or discovered that they were pregnant during deployment, and most of these respondents reported being unable to access the pregnancy- and/or abortion-related services they wanted or needed. The majority reported lack of knowledge of military abortion policies and that servicewomen are reprimanded for pregnancy and/or sexual activity in some or all circumstances, with many noting this reprimand as a barrier to contraceptive use for some servicewomen. Predeployment health visits may be one intervention point for disseminating the military's abortion policies; commanding officers should also be well versed in these policies so that they are able to provide effective leadership to junior military members.

Breaking down barriers to birth control access: An assessment of online platforms prescribing birth control in the USA.

INTRODUCTION: In the USA, the requirement that individuals obtain a prescription for hormonal contraception is a significant barrier for women who lack the time, finances, insurance coverage or means of transportation to visit a provider. The emergence of telemedicine services has removed some of these barriers by providing women with the opportunity to conveniently obtain birth control prescriptions through their computer or smartphone. METHODS: In this article, we compare the prescribing processes and policies of online platforms that prescribe hormonal contraceptives to women in the USA, and use the recommendations of the 2016 US medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use to evaluate whether online prescribers are providing evidence-based care. RESULTS: As of February 2018, nine online platforms prescribed hormonal birth control to women across various states in the USA. These platforms varied in regard to their prescribing processes, range of methods offered, locations of operation, fees for services, and policies regarding age restrictions. DISCUSSION: An assessment of each platform's online health questionnaire reveals that these telemedicine services are adequately screening for contraindications and safely providing birth control methods to patients, although efforts could be made to strengthen the rigour of online health questionnaires to ensure they adequately screen for all contraindications.

Abortion Need among U.S. Servicewomen: Evidence from an Internet Service.

INTRODUCTION: U.S. servicewomen have high rates of unintended pregnancy, but federal policy prohibits abortion provision at military treatment facilities and military insurance coverage of abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or a life-endangering pregnancy. Such restrictions pose challenges to abortion access for servicemembers, particularly during deployment. We aimed to explore the experiences of U.S. servicewomen when accessing abortion during overseas tours and deployment. METHODS: We reviewed de-identified data from email inquiries and online consultation forms from U.S. servicewomen or military spouses seeking medication abortion from the telemedicine service Women on Web between January 2010 and December 2017. We used descriptive statistics and inductively coded textual responses to describe client characteristics, circumstances of pregnancy, reasons for abortion, and barriers to abortion care. RESULTS: Our sample included data for 323 individuals. Reasons for abortion related to military service included disruption of deployment, fear of military reprimand, and potential career impacts. Additionally, servicemembers faced barriers to abortion access related to overseas military deployment or tour, including a lack of legal abortion in-country, limited financial resources, language barriers, travel restrictions, and a lack of confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS: U.S. military servicewomen stationed in countries where safe, legal abortion is restricted or unavailable face deployment-related barriers to abortion care, which compound those barriers they may face regardless of deployment status. Removal of federal bans on the provision and coverage of abortion care and improved education about existing regulations could improve access to timely abortion care and in some cases allow servicewomen who wish to obtain abortion care to remain deployed.