Abortion & Pregnancy

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.

What providers need to know about correcting abortion misinformation and supporting patient autonomy

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.

Patient decision-making around LARC extended use, contraceptive progestogens and meningioma risk, adolescent contraceptive decision-making, residual LNG in the 52mg IUD beyond 8 years

New research on Nexplanon bleeding patterns, contraceptive decision aid quality, TikTok and tubal ligation, post-Dobbs abortion safety beliefs, gender-affirming care gaps, and more.