Abortion & Pregnancy

BV and STI co-infection, iron deficiency anemia trends, ACOG HIV and PrEP guidance, estetrol/drospirenone safety data

Your patient says they've "been doing research." What if that research came from an organized disinformation network? A guide to four sources SRH providers should recognize.

A 29-year-old G2P1 (she/they) presents for medication abortion at 8 weeks of gestation, consistent with a 6-week ultrasound demonstrating a single intrauterine pregnancy. She reports, “I think I got a shot after I had my son. Do I need a shot before I take the pills?" She reports her previous pregnancy was uncomplicated. She is not certain of her prior Rh status. She is not certain about a desire for future pregnancies.

A 22-year-old G1P0 patient comes in after a positive home urine pregnancy test two weeks ago. While waiting for their visit with you, they went to a local crisis pregnancy center (CPC) for a free ultrasound. The CPC estimated they were 7 weeks. During the visit, they were told that abortion significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. They are feeling ambivalent about continuing this pregnancy or having an abortion and not sure what to believe. 

A look at some of the narratives that shaped social media conversations about contraception, abortion, and sexual health in the first part of 2026.

A 26-year-old (she/her) presents to your health center four weeks after a medication abortion at eight weeks of gestation. She reports bleeding was initially heavy with blood clots, and is now lighter, but she continues to have intermittent light bleeding and mild cramping. She reports she believes she is not pregnant anymore, as pregnancy symptoms have resolved, but is not sure if things are "done."  A transvaginal ultrasound shows a heterogeneous collection and thickened endometrial stripe, without a persistent gestational sac or evidence of an ongoing pregnancy.

We can only listen when we create a space for the patient to speak. Listening can be augmented through open-ended questions. During a period of listening, consider opting for one open-ended question in lieu of a series of closed-ended questions.