Real Talk. Real Options

REAL TALK. REAL OPTIONS.

Healthy and joyous birthing outcomes are supported with early planning. AAIMM believes that your body belongs to you and it’s your right to have empathetic and non-judgemental conversations with your healthcare provider about your sexual and reproductive needs — whether you plan to become pregnant or want to wait.

Real Talk. Real Options. is a campaign developed by the LA County Department of Public Health’s AAIMM Initiative and Essential Access Health. It is focused on encouraging and normalizing pregnancy intention conversations between patients and providers that are open, safe, and patient-centered.

Keep the conversation going about sexual and reproductive health.

RESOURCES

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Do you have patients of reproductive age? Join our Village to support healthy and joyous Black births! Together, we can improve reproductive health care for Black mothers and birthing persons.

Whether they’re preparing for pregnancy or want to wait, start the conversation early.

WHAT DOES REAL TALK. REAL OPTIONS. DO?

Promotes and encourages patient-centered conversations about reproductive goals with Black patients/clients of reproductive age
Helps reduce the rates of Black infant and maternal deaths
Champions and promotes quality sexual and reproductive health care for all

Adequate healthcare is not enough to end disparities in birthing outcomes. Providers must deliver respectful, culturally-attuned care and communication with Black patients/clients of reproductive age.

P.A.T.H.: PATIENT-CENTERED HEALTH SCREENING

We use the P.A.T.H. (Pregnancy / Parent Attitude / Timing / How Important) patient screening model to help identify reproductive goals and help build trust between the patient and provider.

The purpose of P.A.T.H. is to:

Support the patient’s reproductive autonomy
Help people gain clarity about what they want in terms of reproduction so they can make choices that are aligned with their goals
Build rapport by letting them know you are listening
Connect patient to referrals (contraception, preconception, fertility)

P.A.T.H. CONVERSATIONS

Use this P.A.T.H. Flow Chart to help facilitate client-centered discussions about reproductive goals. P.A.T.H. can be used with clients of any gender, sexual orientation, or age.

Here are some sample P.A.T.H. conversations to see how you can use this model to discuss preconception care, contraception, and fertility (as appropriate) with your patients.

BECOME A CAMPAIGN CHAMPION OR PARTNER

Would you like to support our campaign’s mission? Become a Campaign Champion or Partner by filling out this form. We’ll send you information about provider training and share campaign materials and other ways you can become a Real Talk. Real Options. leader in your community.

Feel free to share this website link with your Village of clinicians and patients. Follow @blackinfantsandfamiliesla on Instagram for updates and use #RealTalkRealOptions, and #GrowtheVillage to share your stories with us.