Complex Family Planning physicians in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology research various topics. Their overarching goal is to study and develop effective family planning interventions that make pregnancy possible for all at the time and life stage that is best for them, including delaying or preventing pregnancy. To date, physicians in the division have studied the efficacy of different types of birth control, the effects of legislation on family planning and the effects of pregnancy loss.
Clinical Trials
Faculty physicians in the Division of Complex Family Planning work on clinical trials. Find clinical trials near you.
Principal Investigator: Caitlin Bernard, MD
Coordinator: Terri Strickland
The available evidence from Implanon development, 2 published studies, and unpublished data from an ongoing study, suggests that the ENG implant should remain highly effective when used up to 5 years. However, further study is needed to confirm that the ENG implant remains effective during the fourth and fifth years of use when used as the only method of contraception (including no condom use for protection from sexually transmitted infection) in women who are heterosexually active at least once a month.
Principal Investigator: Caitlin Bernard, MD
Coordinator: Makayla Picklesimer
The primary objective of the study is to assess the contraceptive efficacy (prevention of pregnancy) of VeraCept.
Principal Investigator: Caitlin Bernard, MD
This study will evaluate the impact of co-delivery of long-acting antiretrovirals (injectable) and contraceptives among adolescent girls and young women in western Kenya, and will conduct early pharmacokinetic and qualitative studies and culminate in a mixed methods hybrid implementation trial.
Principal Investigator: Tracey A. Wilkinson, MD, MPH
Co-PIs: Caitlin Bernard, MD, and Amy Caldwell, MD
Coordinator: Kathleen Wendholt
The goal of PATH4YOU is to disseminate the results of the CHOICE Project state-wide here in Indiana. Our overall goal is to reduce the infant mortality rate by empowering women to avoid a mistimed or unintended pregnancy. The CHOICE Project demonstrated the importance of long-acting reversible contraception or LARC (contraceptive implant and intrauterine devices). LARC methods are 20-fold more effective than the commonly used birth control pill. In the CHOICE project, when we eliminated cost, access, and knowledge barriers, 75% of women chose a LARC method. As a result, we reduced unintended pregnancies by more than 60% and eliminated health disparities. We continue collecting and analyzing data from this intervention.
Principal Investigator: Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, MD, MPH
Coordinator: Shelley Hoffman
The purpose of this study is to examine and describe the decision-making process of healthcare professionals as they care for patients who are miscarrying or experiencing post-abortion complications. Findings about how the law change impacts patient care and treatment will inform interventions and trainings geared at unveiling and undoing structurally embedded discriminatory practices and minimizing criminalization of patients and providers in those medical environments.