Fall 2009 - New REaDY Initiative Tackles Sexual Health for Young Adults
This summer, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts helped to launch a unique collaboration between Massachusetts health care providers, advocates, and researchers to reduce unplanned pregnancy among young adults in the wake of health care reform in the Commonwealth.Dubbed “REaDY” (Reproductive Empowerment and Decision Making for Young Adults), this multi-pronged, two-year initiative is working to better understand what helps – and hinders – 18 to 26 year-olds when it comes to using family planning effectively. Young adults were a key constituency when Massachusetts passed health care in 2006. The reason? Nationwide, they are the most likely to be un- or under-insured. Studies also show that they are also the most likely to experience an unintended pregnancy. Knowing this, the initiative is exploring the impact of health care reform on young adults' sexual and reproductive health needs. REaDY is conducting research to inform strategies that will ensure young adults have the resources they need to lead healthy sexual and reproductive lives, including making decisions about whether and when to become parents. The first phase – looking at the coverage available for contraception in health plans targeted at younger adults – is now complete! Read more about the research and how contraception is covered under Massachusetts health reform. These findings, along with other studies currently underway, will shape our work in the second year to improve the health care system and better prepare health care providers to meet the needs of young adults. Research findings and lessons learned here in Massachusetts are also helping to inform national health care reform efforts. REaDY is led by an Executive Committee of multiple organizations and agencies within the Commonwealth. Ibis Reproductive Health is leading the formative research component, and the statewide, multi-agency taskforce is chaired by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Family Planning Program and coordinated by NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. Other Executive Committee members include the Boston Public Health Commission, the Massachusetts Family Planning Association, and youth development specialist TiElla Grimes.
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