As policy debates over the future of access to reproductive and sexual health services heat up at the national and state levels, understanding how these policies are playing out on the ground requires getting beyond the statistics.

Earlier this year, KFF, working with Health Management Associates, conducted case studies and focus groups in five different communities to hear directly from providers and low-income women.  The study addressed how national, state, and local policies, as well as cultural factors, shape access to contraception, maternity care, abortion, STIs, and other services.

On November 14, 2019, KFF hosted a briefing to release findings from this study and share perspectives from local stakeholders in the study communities. Usha Ranji, an associate director of KFF’s Women’s Health Policy program presented an overview of the case studies and focus groups conducted in St. Louis, MO; Erie, PA; Selma, AL; Tulare County, CA; and the Crow Tribal Reservation, MT. The presentation was followed by a roundtable discussion moderated by Alina Salganicoff, Senior Vice President and Director of Women’s Health Policy with health care leaders from these communities.

Participants included:

• Katie Plax, Medical Director, the SPOT, Washington University of Medicine in St. Louis, MO
• Keshee Dozier-Smith, CEO, Rural Health Medical Program in Selma, AL
• Susan Scriven, Nurse Practitioner at Adagio Health in Erie, PA
• Caity Meader, CEO, Family Services of Tulare County, CA
• Brocade Stops Black Eagle, RN, Indian Health Service in Crow Tribe, MT