Reproductive Health Services

Reproductive health services include medical and counseling services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy loss. These services should be available and affordable. One study examined the utilization of reproductive health services in rural Ethiopia and identified factors associated with low utilization. Specifically, it found that low utilization was associated with high rates of unintended pregnancy and miscarriage. Women who are uninsured or have low income are less likely to receive high-quality client-centered care. These women also have lower access to high-quality reproductive health services. This is a longstanding problem for these groups. While these findings were not significant among African-American women, they show that minority women are less likely to receive high-quality care. Access to sexual and reproductive health services is a critical component of women's overall health. A wide range of factors contribute to the level of care women can receive. In the United States, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded access to Medicaid and made private health insurance more affordable. Moreover, the ACA requires private health insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without patient cost-sharing. Further, private health insurance policies are required to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives. Investing in sexual and reproductive health services is especially crucial for women in developing countries. These services help stabilize rural communities, slow urban migration, and balance the use of natural resources. By providing quality services at affordable prices, reproductive health programs can be more effective.