What Women Want: A Qualitative Study of Contraception in Jail

Abstract

Objectives. We undertook this study to understand women’s perceptions of receiving contraception at Rikers Island Jail. Methods. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews in 2011 to 2012 with 32 women incarcerated at Rikers Island Jail. We analyzed the data using standard qualitative techniques. Results. Almost all participants believed that contraception should be provided at the jail. However, many said they would hesitate to use these services themselves. Reservations were caused in part by women’s negative views of health care services at the jail. Fears about the safety of birth control, difficulties associated with follow-up in the community, and desire for pregnancy were other factors that influenced interest in accepting contraception. Conclusions. Contraception at the jail must be provided by trusted medical providers delivering high quality care with the goal of allowing women to control their own fertility; this would ensure that women could access birth control and cease using birth control when desired.