Projects
We conduct peer-reviewed science using a range of qualitative and mixed methods. From arts-based techniques to Two-Eyed Seeing, and traditional interviews to youth-led design, our research approach is first and foremost guided by the belief that partnering with communities leads to co-generation of knowledge that is more timely, relevant, and impactful.
Our work is generously funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Health Canada, Society of Family Planning Research Fund, Vancouver Foundation, and Michael Smith Health Research BC, among others.
Current projects
We are currently leading five linked projects in a program of research to advance reproductive choices, justice, and equity.
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Ask Us: Youth Voices to Improve Contraception Access
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The Story Project: Improving access to family planning for Indigenous peoples through storytelling
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How far is too far? Creating an evidence base to support safe provision of medication abortion for people living far from emergency services
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It's My Choice: A Patient Decision Aid for Choice of Abortion Method
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Societal preferences for access to abortion among Texas residents: Capturing tradeoffs using a discrete choice experiment
Partnered projects
Our lab seeks to answer questions that advance knowledge and insights generated through collaborative research. Below are selected projects that showcase our partnered work.
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My Next Birth: A patient decision aid for choice of mode of birth after caesarean (Partnership with Perinatal Services BC)
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Contraception and Abortion Research Team (CART-GRAC): Mifepristone Implementation in Canada (PI: Dr. Wendy Norman)
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Right For Me: Investigation of two interventions for facilitating shared decision-making about contraceptive methods (PI: Dr. Rachel Thompson)
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The Fireweed Project: Indigenous peoples and the right to abortion (PI: Dr. Renée Monchalin)
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Canadian Abortion Provider Survey (CAPS) 2019 (PI: Dr. Regina Renner)
Anti-oppression Practice
As a team, we are committed to continued learning. Anti-oppression is central to the work that we do, and it is our responsibility to equip our team with the knowledge and skillset to increase safety and reduce opportunities for harm both within and outside the team.
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Our kick-off book club selection was Me and White Supremacy, by Layla Saad, where our discussion followed The Circle Way.
We have since taken a “choose your own adventure” approach. Team members pick a book and/or podcast on anti-racism that better suits their individual learning journey.
Many of our lab members have lived experience with racism. An individualized approach aims to mitigate potential harm from reading content geared towards white people.
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Trauma Informed Practices are techniques to promote safety, empowerment, and respect for folks conducting or participating in research. These practices also aim to avoid re-traumatisation in situations with power imbalances, like in research, care, or social services. Trauma informed practices aim to transform the power dynamics that can foster trauma and are a commitment to continuous self-reflection and lifelong learning. In the Ask Us project, we used trauma-informed practices in our research with youth.
Read our one page guide here.
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We are hosting the HEARTS event in June 2025. The event aims to bring together Indigenous community members, healthcare providers, and researchers to share experiences, address instances of racism and stigma, and explore culturally safe models for sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Participants will share knowledge and stories from recent community and research-based projects. We’ll focus on healing and holistic wellness through activities such as hair braiding, hand reflexology, cedar brushing, and a collaborative art space, demonstrating integrated healthcare practices.
The goal: building trust between clinical researchers and community partners, fostering meaningful professional relationships, and developing ideas that may lead to a self-governing body focused on advancing culturally safe and equitable sexual and reproductive healthcare services for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.