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Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0008-4758-9795

Date Available

5-26-2025

Year of Publication

2023

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Faculty

Laura Escobar-Ratliff

Abstract

Sexual Reproductive Healthcare (SRH) is a key component of not only women’s healthcare but healthcare for every one of every age. SRH impacts not only physical health and social emotional well-being but foundations of families, communities and society including the economic impacts and the challenges of inequity. By examining the history of sexual reproductive health care, including advances in access and subsequent barriers, funding and lack thereof, the impact bias in obtaining care and the ever-changing law, policies and regulations impacting care this Capstone highlights the current yet ever changing status of sexual reproductive health care in the United States.

To understand how policy and/or law impact access to SRH and outcomes for women and families, a systematic literature review has been completed. The review studies and examines how policy and legislation, in a constantly shifting political environment, affect and impact access to care. Attention is paid to Title X, a federally subsidized program who primary purpose is providing sexual reproductive healthcare to anyone in need with special focus on those with limited financial resources, physical proximity to care and adolescents.

In order to advance care, there needs to be focus on how to expand services with the limited resources available. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade and recent legislation that firmly implants the government in medical decision making for pregnant women, the focus on preventive care is expanded. The departure of medical providers as a result of constraints placed on the kind of services, as well as the manner in which they could be offered, has had a negative impact on the Title X Program. In order to move forward, change must occur. Identification of and definition of qualified healthcare providers who can provide preventive care is identified as a key component that, if achieved, expands the availability of services with a focus on contraceptive access.

The importance of education not only of those providing care but of those accessing care is paramount as one must acknowledge historical practices and the impact on those receiving care. Creation of a comprehensive medical education curriculum focused on the racial/ethnic disparities in the provision of care historically create the foundation of the proposed curriculum. Modeled after an anti-racism education program, the SRH curriculum is designed to create opportunity for individuals, organization and communities to champion for change.

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