The Rowan Foundation is proud to announce the release of a new video, Voices from the Community, a deeply personal and powerful short-form production that shines a light on the often-overlooked connection between hormonal contraception and blood clots. Through the voices of women and families directly affected by clotting complications, this video underscores the urgent need for greater education, awareness, and informed consent.

Real Stories, Real Impact

“Voices from the Community” features firsthand accounts from women and family members whose lives have been forever changed:

  • Dru West, a mother who tragically lost her daughter Julia to a fatal blood clot linked to hormonal birth control. Her story is a sobering reminder of what’s at stake when critical health information is left unsaid.
  • Alyson Layser, a young woman who experienced a life-threatening clot while studying abroad. Despite presenting with severe symptoms, her condition went undiagnosed for far too long, revealing just how little awareness there still is about the signs of a clot and the risks tied to hormonal contraceptives.
  • Aynslee Roberts, a young woman who survived a pulmonary embolism after using hormonal contraception. Her experience has fueled her advocacy for better patient education and risk transparency.`

These courageous voices don’t just tell stories of survival and loss — they offer clear insights into what needs to change: Every woman deserves to understand the risks of hormonal contraception, including the potential for deadly blood clots.

A Father’s Mission

The video directly reflects the Rowan Foundation’s founding purpose. David Rowan, who created the Foundation in memory of his only child, Alexandra Rowan, also speaks openly in this video about the loss that changed his life. Alexandra was a vibrant, accomplished young woman who died suddenly at the age of 23 from a massive pulmonary embolism linked to the hormonal birth control she had been prescribed. Alexandra had not been warned about the signs or potential risks like so many others.

“No parent should have to bury their child because they weren’t told the full truth about a common medication,” says David Rowan. “This video is about giving women and families the information we never got. It’s about saving lives.”

woman with dark glasses and green bandana and shirt pointing to a sign that say "use your voice"
View Voices from the Community below.
Why This Matters

At the Rowan Foundation, we believe storytelling is a form of advocacy and a powerful catalyst for change. Voices from the Community is part of our broader efforts to:

  • Increase awareness of the importance of informed decision-making when choosing contraception.
  • Improve the quality and clarity of contraceptive counseling.
  • Amplify the lived experiences of those affected by blood clots connected to women’s health, including contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the hormonal treatment of menopause symptoms.
  • Encourage earlier recognition of symptoms and faster response times.
  • Advocate for research and public health efforts that prioritize women’s safety.
 Watch and Share

Voices from the Community is more than a video. It’s a call to action. We invite healthcare providers, educators, families, and policymakers to watch, listen, and share.

Let’s honor these stories by changing the way we talk about contraceptive risks, and by demanding better, safer, more informed care for every woman.