Missed opportunities in postpartum contraception: Bridging the gaps for patients who deliver at Catholic hospitals in Illinois

Abstract

Catholic hospitals' religious restrictions limit postpartum contraceptive care and reproductive counselling. This qualitative study explores opportunities for patients and providers to ensure access to desired postpartum contraception care.We interviewed people who had obstetric experiences in Illinois Catholic hospitals: 21 patients and 23 providers, including clinicians, doulas, nurses, and maternal health home visitors. We transcribed interviews and coded transcripts then used a thematic content approach for analysis. To guide future interventions, we sought interviewees' perspectives on opportunities to improve postpartum contraceptive care for patients affected by these restrictions.Patients delivered in Catholic hospitals for varied reasons unrelated to religious affiliation and were generally unaware of limits on access to contraception. Some providers offered referrals or workarounds for some contraceptive methods. The majority of providers described the importance of initiating contraceptive counselling during the prenatal period, but few patients reported receiving comprehensive contraceptive counselling during this time. Patients who received contraceptive counselling often had these experiences with doulas and maternal health home visitors who were not affiliated with religious health centres.Contraceptive counselling in the prenatal period can be a particularly helpful tool for patients delivering in hospitals that limit access to postpartum contraception, particularly in Catholic hospitals. Prenatal counselling can support advance planning if a patient needs to transfer or seek care outside their preferred health system. Where counselling and referrals are prohibited by religious restrictions, doulas and other maternal health home visitors can bridge gaps and support patient decision‐making and navigation to receive postpartum contraceptive care.