Reproductive health is fundamental to the rights and wellbeing of the individual, their family and the community. Since the fall of Roe v Wade, more than a dozen states have banned abortions. Many others have restricted access to care.  

The U.S. has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in developed nations. These rates are unequitably distributed among people of color and those who are low-income. A key driver of this public health crisis is limited access to birth control and abortion. Since 2022, legislators have passed over 500 policies that restrict reproductive health care access. These restrictions span maternity care and newborn health, contraceptive use and abortion care.  

To address these disparities and ensure equal access to reproductive health care for all, OHSU established the Center for Reproductive Health Equity.

Reproductive health equity areas of focus

Our mission is to identify and resolve health systems factors that drive disparities in reproductive health. Our work includes research to inform state and national policy, post graduate education and clinical innovations to improve care for underserved populations. We look at structural determinants of poor reproductive health and implement solutions to address them.  

Oregon is unique nationally. We lead the country in reproductive health care, legislation, and policy, including pharmacist-direct contraceptive prescribing, cost-coverage for birth control and abortion, and extension of pregnancy and post-partum care to individuals no matter their legal status. We have strong collaborations with legislators, public health leaders and advocacy groups.

Clinical Care

OHSU strives to provide safe, legal reproductive health care to all who need it.  In partnership with the Center for Women’s Health, we train providers and evaluate strategies to improve reproductive health care access for marginalized populations.

Research

Our research is at the intersection of health, human rights, economics and policy. Our three goals are to:  

• Illustrate the role that national health systems play in reproductive health disparities.  
• Review evidence to support reproductive health guideline development.  
• Evaluate clinical interventions to promote reproductive health equity.

Education

Many reproductive health providers practice in states where abortion is restricted or banned. Safeguarding abortion care for all means ensuring the next generation of providers receive appropriate training. Additionally, we engage students, residents and faculty in exploring the role of policy in reproductive health equity efforts.   

The Center for Reproductive Health Equity is housed within the OHSU Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.