Supporting Sexual and Reproductive Health for Immigrant Families Across the Lifespan

The ability to exercise autonomy in achieving reproductive health goals necessitates access to contraceptive and reproductive health information and medical care. Finding trusted, comprehensive, consistent and affordable reproductive care is particularly challenging for immigrants living in the United States, especially for those without legal immigration status and for those who prefer a language other than English. In immigrant communities, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, contraceptive choice, and family planning are influenced by many factors including tension between traditional and adopted cultural norms, limited English proficiency, restricted health care access, and structural racism. The family-centered model and longitudinal nature of relationships in pediatric primary care pose a unique opportunity to support immigrant families across the lifespan in obtaining SRH information and achieving reproductive health goals. Here, we present the unique vulnerabilities faced by immigrants seeking SRH services in the United States including both the upstream and downstream health effects of immigration status on family health. We then describe four time points across the lifespan where pediatricians can support SRH, including examples of existing SRH programming designed or adapted for immigrant families. Finally, we discuss opportunities to advance research, policy, education, and clinical care related to SRH equity for immigrant families.