"It's a Vicious Cycle": A Mixed Methods Study of the Role of Family Planning in Housing Insecurity for Women.

We sought to explore family planning needs and experiences in housing-insecure women. We recruited 90 women (median age 29y) across Salt Lake County, Utah to complete a self-administered survey, and 15 of them also completed a qualitative interview. Of those at risk for unintended pregnancy, 27 (59%) reported not using their ideal contraceptive method. Reported barriers included cost and inability to find a provider. Participants described the conflicting role of pregnancy as a window to health care and other services, as well as the competing challenges of high-risk sex and physical safety. Addressing comprehensive reproductive needs is essential during times of housing insecurity. Doing this may avert homelessness.