--- title: A Conversation about Contraceptive Choice and Reproductive Autonomy with Dr. Kristyn Brandi date: 2025-06-05T10:36:00-04:00 author: Grace Koch canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-conversation-about-contraceptive-choice-and-reproductive-autonomy-with-dr-kristyn-brandi" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# A Conversation about Contraceptive Choice and Reproductive Autonomy with Dr. Kristyn Brandi Last Updated: June 5, 2025 Our Bodies Ourselves program associate [Grace Koch](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/people/grace-koch) hosts a crucial conversation with OB-GYN and Complex Family Planning Subspecialist Dr. Kristyn Brandi about [contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/search/results?q=Birth+control), 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? **Related resources** - [Birth control on Bedsider](https://www.bedsider.org/birth-control) - [Our Bodies Ourselves Contraception Resources](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception) - [ contraception methods & access](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access) - [ nonbinary & trans-inclusive abortion & contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/nonbinary-trans-inclusive-abortion-birth-control) - [bodily autonomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bodily-autonomy) - [long acting reversible contraception (LARC)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/long-acting-reversible-contraception-larc) - [reproductive coercion](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/reproductive-coercion) - [reproductive justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/reproductive-justice) - [coercion and control](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/coercion-and-control) - [Depo-Provera](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/depo-provera) - [condom (internal)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/female-condom) - [fertility](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/fertility) - [IUD (intra-uterine device)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/iud-intra-uterine-device) - [self-advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-advocacy) - [birth control pill](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-control-pill) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Abortion and Contraception Quick Links If you are in need of access to, or have question about, abortion and contraception, this list of resources is a good place to start. ![Two women at a protest. One holds a sign saying, "My Body My Choice" and the other holds a sign saying, "Women Rights and Human Rights."](data:image/png;base64,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) If you are in need of access to, or have question about, abortion and contraception, this list of resources is a good place to start.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/contraception-and-abortion-cheat-sheet) [ResourcesRead ## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners. ![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Contraception Side Effects MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried. ![My Story- Dealing With Contraception Side Effects](data:image/png;base64,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) MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-contraception-side-effects) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Controlling My Period with the Pill AB describes how birth control made it easier to predict when her period would start. ![My Story- Controlling My Period with the Pill](data:image/png;base64,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) AB describes how birth control made it easier to predict when her period would start.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-controlling-my-period-with-the-pill) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Identifying What Contraception Works Best for You AB explains what she would advise about choosing a method of birth control. ![My Story- Identifying What Contraception Works Best for You](data:image/png;base64,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) AB explains what she would advise about choosing a method of birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-identifying-what-contraception-works-best-for-you) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Finding a Perimenopause Specialist JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance. ![My Story- Finding a Perimenopause Specialist](data:image/png;base64,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) JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-finding-a-perimenopause-specialist) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Advising Anyone Who Feels Unheard by Medical Professionals EH provides advice on advocating for ourselves when we feel dismissed by doctors. In addition to speaking up, there are networks of support that we can access. ![Elise](data:image/png;base64,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) EH provides advice on advocating for ourselves when we feel dismissed by doctors. In addition to speaking up, there are networks of support that we can access.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-advising-anyone-who-feels-unheard-by-medical-professionals) [ResourcesRead ## Positive Body Image across Generations How does feminism contribute to body image across generations? A new study by Analisa Arroyo reveals the powerful influence of how we feel about our own bodies. ![A woman and her daughter look in a mirror together](data:image/png;base64,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) How does feminism contribute to body image across generations? A new study by Analisa Arroyo reveals the powerful influence of how we feel about our own bodies.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/body-image-generations)