Beth Meyer-Frank
Planning to Flourish, USA
Title: Women and addiction - Empowerment and change through family planning
Biography
Biography: Beth Meyer-Frank
Abstract
Addicted women are especially vulnerable to experiencing multiple, repeat unplanned pregnancies. Yet, many women’s health care providers do not realize the specific social issues of these women and their need for long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCS). Common themes of addicted women are violence, incarceration, foster care, trauma and mental illness. Numerous repeat pregnancies that result in the separation of children from their mothers to out of
care placement is common often without reunification. Reaching women when they enter treatment for their substance abuse, and integrating family planning at that time, is critical in preventing repeat, unplanned pregnancies. Access to contraception and motivating women to use contraception is at the core of family planning. LARCS are an ideal method for women in treatment, because it allows them to achieve sobriety and parent their existing children without the added complexity of another pregnancy. Family planning requires insight into one’s current situation and issues in order to make an informed decision regarding future pregnancies. Addicted women that have been using substances lack this insight.
This presentation will address the special family planning needs of addicted women, and the devastating effects of the loss of their children. Author will emphasize why family planning is crucial to breaking the cycle of addiction.