A Conversation about Contraceptive Choice and Reproductive Autonomy with Dr. Kristyn Brandi
Our Bodies Ourselves program associate Grace Koch hosts a crucial conversation with OB-GYN and Complex Family Planning Subspecialist Dr. Kristyn Brandi about contraception, about access to contraception, freedom of choice, and the impact of birth control on our reproductive autonomy.
Dr Kristyn Brandi was an Assistant Professor at Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School, where she completed her medical school and residency. She completed a Family Planning Fellowship at Boston University where she also earned her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights. Her research is on reproductive decision making, contraceptive coercion, and racism in reproductive health care.
Dr. Brandi served previously as the Board Chair of Physicians for Reproductive Health, sits on several committees for the Society of Family Planning and is a founding member of Centering Equity, Racial and Cultural Literacy in Family Planning. She is a strong advocate for reproductive justice and autonomy for marginalized communities.
In this interview Dr. Brandi discusses her role as a doctor and activist for reproductive rights. She approaches each patient with individualized contraceptive care and shares how contraceptive choice impacts reproductive autonomy and allows her patients to live out their reproductive life goals.
Questions:
- Tell us a little bit about your background and what you do as an OB/GYN and Complex Family Planning specialist?
- What kinds of contraception are available to people and how may our contraceptive choices change as we age?
- How can people advocate for themselves at appointments to get the contraceptive options that will fit their needs?
- In your experience, how does contraception and contraceptive choice impact individual self determination and empower patients?
- What inequities do you see in your field?
- What are the impacts of contraceptive choice and planning for Queer individuals?
- What is contraceptive coercion and how does it impact people?
- In light of the attacks on reproductive rights and bodily autonomy and context we are living in, could you speak on the importance of autonomy in reproductive decision making?
- How are you balancing being a provider and an advocate?
- Do you have any inspiring stories or messages of hope to the women and gender-expansive people listening?
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