Research

PPLM researchers published influential papers, presented at virtual conferences, educated practitioners, and advanced knowledge in the field in order to advance their central goal of improving sexual and reproductive health care through clinical and social science studies. 

In Print

PPLM published six studies in professional journals, including two on sexual and reproductive health within the LGBTQIA community, an emerging area of research. Other reports described findings on post-abortion contraceptive use and patient-centered abortion care. One article, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, affirmed that insurance status is a strong predictor of post-abortion contraceptive use among young people. Another manuscript in press in Women’s Health Issues found the same to be true among people with opioid use disorder. Those without insurance for abortion are less likely to initiate use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal implants given the high out-of-pocket costs associated with those methods. Another timely publication, in the journal Contraception, modeled how a multitude of state and federal laws create barriers to accessing medication abortion care via telehealth and lead to medically unnecessary visits that could increase the spread of COVID-19.

Breaking Down Barriers

PPLM social scientists examined the effects of abortion stigma – a persistent set of negative attitudes and beliefs – on the health outcomes of individuals and communities, especially young people, people with low incomes, and people of color. The team will use the results to develop and test concrete tools and strategies to improve clinical services, policies, and compassionate laws in Massachusetts and elsewhere. 

Recognition      

PPLM was the 2020 recipient of Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s prestigious Affiliate Clinical and Social Science Research Award for “actively pushing patient care forward,” and for “the use of a variety of methodologies in support of the Planned Parenthood mission.”

“We’re very fortunate that in Massachusetts, PPLM has the expertise, resources, and infrastructure essential to advance health equity and make care accessible to all.”

Dr. Elizabeth Janiak, PPLM director of social science research