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Nov. 12 — Professor co-authors study on barriers to reproductive health care after sexual violence
Leigh Ann Simmons, a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, coauthored “An ecological model of barriers to accessing care for pregnancy resulting from sexual violence: a rapid review” published in Reproductive Health. The review to identify barriers to reproductive healthcare for individuals who become pregnant because of sexual violence. Drawing from 15 studies published between 2010 and 2024, the team found that survivors often face limited access to care, inadequate provider training in trauma-informed practices, stigma, victim blaming and fear of retaliation. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved policies, education and community-based interventions to ensure equitable, compassionate reproductive health care for survivors worldwide. Paige D. Gilliland, a T32 fellow, along with Stephanie D. Ha and Jennifer E. Phipps, part of the Perinatal Origins of Disparity Center, contributed to the report.

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