Profile picture for user ariana.bennett@berkeley.edu

Ariana H. Bennett

Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California-Berkeley

Connect with Ariana

About Ariana

Bennett conducts mixed methods research on sexual and reproductive health using a health equity lens. Her research interests include abortion access, sexual and reproductive health and healthcare, person-centered measurement approaches, LGBTQ+ health, and reproductive equity and justice. Bennett is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity (SHARE) Program at the UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare where she works on projects related to person-centered contraceptive access, misinformation about birth control on social media, and birth equity.

Contributions

Biden Administration RFI Re: Insurance Coverage for OTC Products

  • Anu Manchikanti Gómez
  • Ariana H. Bennett

Publications

"Estimates of Use of Preferred Contraceptive Method in The United States: A Population-Based Study" (with Anu Manchikanti Gomez). The Lancet Regional Health – Americas 30 (2024).

Presents new data from the U.S. on preferred contraceptive method use, highlighting that traditional metrics often ignore individuals' self-defined needs. Finds that 25.2% of respondents wanted a different contraceptive method, citing reasons like side effects and logistical barriers. Suggests that approximately 8.1 million people in the U.S. are not using their preferred method, emphasizing the need for holistic, person-centered approaches to improve contraceptive access.

"“Have You Ever Wanted or Needed an Abortion You Did Not Get?” Data From a 2022 Nationally Representative Online Survey in the United States" (with Cassondra Marshall, Katrina Kimport, Julianna Deardorff, and Anu Manchikanti Gómez). Contraception 123 (2023).

Describes the prevalence of considering, wanting, and not obtaining a wanted abortion among a nationally representative sample of 15–44-year-olds in the United States who had ever been pregnant. Reasons for not obtaining an abortion included personal decisions and barriers related to finances, logistics, or information.

"Interprofessional Abortion Opposition: A National Survey and Qualitative Interviews with Abortion Training Program Directors at U.S. Teaching Hospitals" (with Lori Freedman, Uta Landy, Callie Langton, Elizabeth Ly, and Corinne H. Rocca). Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 52, no. 4 (2020): 235-244.

Examines how hospital policies and colleague opposition impact abortion provision in U.S. teaching hospitals. Reveals that interprofessional opposition to abortion is widespread in U.S. teaching hospitals, emphasizing the need for interventions that prioritize patients’ needs while recognizing the challenges hospital colleagues face in their abortion participation decisions.

"“I Wish They Could Hold on a Little Longer”: Physicians’ Experiences With Requests for Early IUD Removal" (with Jennifer R. Amico, Alison Karasz, and Marji Gold). Contraception 96, no. 2 (2017): 106-110.

Describes the perceptions and experiences of family physicians when women request "early" intrauterine device (IUD) removal. Reveals that physicians often regard IUDs as the best contraceptive option and tend to encourage patients to keep them, and experience mixed or negative feelings when patients decide to remove them. Findings emphasize the importance of respecting patient requests for IUD removal to support reproductive autonomy and maintain a positive doctor-patient relationship.

"“She Just Told Me to Leave It”: Women’s Experiences Discussing Early Elective IUD Removal" (with Jennifer R. Amico, Alison Karasz, and Marji Gold). Contraception 94, no. 4 (2016): 357-361.

Describes the thoughts and experiences of women who report discussing intrauterine device (IUD) removal within 9 months of insertion. Findings demonstrate that physician resistance to IUD removal can negatively impact patient satisfaction and the doctor-patient relationship, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care in contraceptive services.