Oral

Technology can improve reproductive health, but this requires more than just introducing new technologies; we must also make full use of the ones we already have, and stay aware of the ethical issues raised by our tools. This session addresses the role of new and existing technologies in the domains of contraception, STD prevention and assisted fertility. Two papers will address the role that clinicians play in (mis)identifying women who are eligible to use the intrauterine device, a method that is substantially underutilized in the United States. A third paper will address another underutilized method, the female condom, and discuss the potential of a new condom to improve women’s ability to prevent pregnancy and STDs. A fourth paper will address the ethical aspects of an existing technology — embryo cryopreservation — and recommend an ethical approach to creating an embryo storage and disposition policy.

Session Objectives: 1) Understand barriers to IUD use from the provider side that lead to underutilization of the method. 2) Recognize the lack of systematic guidelines for ART embryo preservation and understand the elements that contribute to effective guidelines. 3) Describe the benefits and advantages of a new female condom; understand continued barriers to use of this method.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)