During Blood Clot Awareness Month this past March, the Rowan Foundation sponsored a Roundtable event entitled “Informed Choices: Improving Contraceptive Outcomes for Women,” hosted by the University of Houston (UH) Student Health Center. The Roundtable brought together an expert panel to examine one of the most pressing topics in women’s health today: How to ensure that women are making truly informed choices regarding contraception.
A Thoughtful, Multi-Perspective Dialogue
Moderated by Gabriela Ortiz, MD, Executive Director of the UH Student Health Center, the discussion explored the complexities women face when navigating contraceptive options, including gaps in counseling, cultural stigma, and systemic barriers.
“Contraception should be individualized, and not treated as something for the masses,” Dr. Ortiz said during the event. “As doctors, not often do we have the chance to have patients asking the right questions.” The roundtable explored topics such as:
- The need for shared decision-making between providers and patients
- Challenges in access and equity, particularly for underserved communities
- How misinformation and rushed counseling can undermine outcomes
- The often-overlooked risk of blood clots associated with hormonal contraception
The panel emphasized the power of better communication, stronger provider training, and more inclusive educational tools to close these gaps.
The Rowan Foundation’s Mission in Action
Roundtable expert panelists discuss ways to improve contraceptive outcomes for women.
This event was more than a conversation — it reflected the Rowan Foundation’s ongoing mission to raise awareness about blood clot risks, promote women’s health equity, and elevate the role of education in preventing avoidable harm and saving lives.
“Too often, women are not told the full story when it comes to contraceptive options, including the real risks,” said David Rowan, founder of the Rowan Foundation. “This roundtable was designed to create space for solutions, not just problems. When we listen to patients and providers together, we create a roadmap for safer, smarter care.”
The Rowan Foundation was established in memory of Alexandra Rowan, a healthy young woman who died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism linked to hormonal contraceptive use. Her story underscores the urgent need for transparency, education, and preventive care in women’s health.
Turning Conversation Into Education
The insights shared during the roundtable have been compiled into a comprehensive written proceedings report designed to inform healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, and advocates across the country. The Rowan Foundation also produced a short-form educational video based on the event, making key learnings accessible to a broader audience.
By making the content widely available, the Foundation aims to shift the conversation from the roundtable to the exam room, enabling both patients and providers to engage in more meaningful and informed dialogue.
Looking Ahead
As National Women’s Health Week spotlights the importance of proactive care and education, the “Informed Choices” roundtable serves as a powerful reminder that knowledge is not only empowering — it’s protective.
You can view the materials stemming from the Roundtable on the Rowan Foundation’s website here: Roundtable Proceedings
