Author: Raegan McDonald-Mosley

Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH is the CEO of Power to Decide.

Two Years Post-Dobbs: The Ones Who Don’t Make It

Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the number of out-of-state patients I’ve seen as an abortion provider in Maryland has skyrocketed. Many of the individuals who were able to get the abortion they sought had to navigate costly barriers. However, the patients I see are the ones who have overcome all of these obstacles to get the basic healthcare they need.

It pains me to think about all the patients who do not make it to the health center, the ones who cannot navigate the myriad barriers to get the abortion care they need out-of-state.

Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Will Hit Shelves Soon

In July 2023, the FDA approved the progestin-only birth control pill, Opill, for over-the-counter access. Getting a birth control pill over the counter means that anyone (no matter their age or gender) can buy it without needing to talk to a healthcare provider or getting a prescription.

While the pharmaceutical company Perrigo announced shipment to local retailers on Monday, it may take a few weeks until you see Opill on store shelves near you.

Supreme Court Heard Case That Could Deny People’s Ability To Live Life on Their Own Terms

Supreme Court To Hear Case That Could Deny People’s Ability To Live Life on Their Own Terms

The state of Mississippi is asking the Supreme Court to deny people the ability to decide for themselves what is best for them and their families. The significance of such a decision cannot be overstated.

As an ob-gyn who has included abortion care as part of my practice for almost 20 years, I have seen the harm to a person’s physical and emotional health as a result of denying them the ability to access abortion care.

Birth Control Is a Journey Everyone Should Have Access to

Birth Control Is a Journey Everyone Should Have Access to

Being able to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child has allowed me to have a family on my timeline and a fulfilling career.

Unfortunately, the ability to access contraception is largely dependent on an individual’s zip code, insurance status and income level. Even in the face of these challenges, I am hopeful that we can continue to move in the right direction with policies and practices that center the reproductive health and well-being of all people.

The Birth Control Pill Is Safe, Effective and Should Be Available Over-the-Counter

Today, people have many contraceptive options available to them. These important advances should be recognized and celebrated. However, we must also acknowledge that we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, their insurance status or income level have the full range of contraception methods available to them without unnecessary barriers.