Background: Incarcerated women represent one of the most medically underserved populations in the United States and face unique barriers to reproductive autonomy. While prior research has explored contraceptive access at intake, less is known about access throughout incarceration. Disruptions in refills, counseling, and follow-up may compromise reproductive planning and contribute to health inequities after release. This review evaluates continuity of contraceptive access and identifies barriers, facilitators, and system-level gaps affecting sustained use.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and OpenEvidence identified English-language studies published between 2010 and 2025. Search terms combined incarceration, women, contraception, and continuity of care. Included studies were relevant to contraception access during incarceration in the United States. Screening and data extraction were performed using predefined criteria, and study quality was systematically evaluated to inform interpretation of findings.
Results: Of 637 articles initially identified, 25 remained after screening. Contraceptive care is often discontinued after intake, with limited follow-up or refills available during incarceration. Barriers include institutional policy restrictions, inconsistent provider training, and fragmented coordination between intake and ongoing medical care. Facilities that maintained provider continuity or implemented reproductive health programs reported improved adherence and better access to follow-up care. Existing research is limited by small sample sizes, regional variability, and inconsistent reporting across facilities, which constrains generalizability and highlights the need for broader data collection.
Conclusion: A significant gap exists between initial access and sustained contraceptive care during incarceration. Strengthening institutional protocols, provider training, and continuity-of-care models may improve reproductive autonomy and health outcomes for incarcerated women.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and OpenEvidence identified English-language studies published between 2010 and 2025. Search terms combined incarceration, women, contraception, and continuity of care. Included studies were relevant to contraception access during incarceration in the United States. Screening and data extraction were performed using predefined criteria, and study quality was systematically evaluated to inform interpretation of findings.
Results: Of 637 articles initially identified, 25 remained after screening. Contraceptive care is often discontinued after intake, with limited follow-up or refills available during incarceration. Barriers include institutional policy restrictions, inconsistent provider training, and fragmented coordination between intake and ongoing medical care. Facilities that maintained provider continuity or implemented reproductive health programs reported improved adherence and better access to follow-up care. Existing research is limited by small sample sizes, regional variability, and inconsistent reporting across facilities, which constrains generalizability and highlights the need for broader data collection.
Conclusion: A significant gap exists between initial access and sustained contraceptive care during incarceration. Strengthening institutional protocols, provider training, and continuity-of-care models may improve reproductive autonomy and health outcomes for incarcerated women.