The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade sent shockwaves throughout America as society in general and women in particular try to adapt to the new normal.
Now, more than ever before, women need vital information about preventing unwanted pregnancies. While elected officials at all levels argue over what comes next on the political landscape, OB-GYN providers at Family Health Center spoke with WDAM in Hattiesburg about the options women have in preventing pregnancies.
“We spend a lot of time speaking in terms of contraception,” said Dr. Rashad Ali, a renowned OB-GYN doctor who also serves as Family Health Center’s chief executive officer. “We know that if we focus on the education and speaking in terms of contraceptives, it will certainly elevate or mitigate the risk of them get pregnant or having to face that big question of abortion.”
Ali, along with Shelly Roark, a nurse practitioner, spoke with Brandy McGill about various types of contraception, including the risks and potential side effects of each method. Roark said she could see how the ruling could lead some parents into uncomfortable conversations with their adolescent children about contraception.
“I think as far as like parents go, I think the fact they’re afraid it’s going to give their child, grandchild, family member permission to actually engage in sexual activity,” said Roark. “I think that is a big factor because you know abstinence is what the parent really wants from their child.”