What is reproductive epidemiology research?
Reproductive epidemiology uses quantitative methods (drawing from epidemiology, biostatistics, and quantitative policy analysis) to examine reproductive health determinants and outcomes (e.g., abortion, miscarriage, birth) in populations.
We use population-based health administrative data to examine health services, policy, and clinical research questions related to reproductive and perinatal health for pregnancy capable women and individuals and their offspring.
We conduct this research in collaboration with clinicians, policymakers, health system leaders, and patients. Through applying integrated knowledge translation methods, we bring findings to knowledge users to support practice, policy, and health system improvements.
Why is this research important?
Through this research, we generate high-quality, policy and practice-relevant evidence pertaining to reproductive health care, including access, use, and population-health outcomes. This evidence is used to inform health services, health policy, and patient decision-making related to contraception, abortion, and the childbearing continuum.
Evidence-informed family planning, reproductive health services, and policy are essential to improving population-health outcomes and equity, including the socioeconomic attainment and reproductive health outcomes of equity-seeking populations.
What types of questions do we research?
Our projects span a range of reproductive health areas, including abortion and contraception policy, women’s primary reproductive health, pregnancy spacing, and epidemiology of early pregnancy loss.
Current projects include examining how:
1) Canada’s globally unique regulatory approach to the medical ‘abortion pill’ mifepristone impacted abortion use, safety and access,
2) the introduction of the contraceptive implant and contraception subsidies impacted long-acting reversible contraception use and related outcomes
3) optimal pregnancy spacing for high-risk obstetric populations,
4) epidemiology of early pregnancy loss using Canadian linked administrative data, and
5) the expanded scope of practice for Pharmacist Prescribing of Minor Ailments and Contraception impacted pharmacists and contraception access, use, and related outcomes.
Additional studies are in progress. Details will be added to our Research Projects page.