Improving Women’s Health: How Nurse Practitioners Can Support Reproductive Health

Abstract

Inadequate reproductive care in the United States is apparent due to rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality and high rates of unintended pregnancy. The crisis is now growing due to a political culture that is hampering access to obstetric and gynecological care. Nurse practitioners may feel unable to make substantial change if not practicing in a women’s health setting. However, new guidelines and tools make supporting preconception, contraception, and interpregnancy care a reality in any practice setting. This article outlines the guidelines and tools to broaden the nurse practitioners’ scope of practice, support shared decision-making with patients, and improve women’s health outcomes.