Executive summary: Reproductive Services for Women at High Risk for Maternal Mortality Workshop, February 11-12, 2019, Las Vegas, Nevada

Women at high risk for maternal mortality and morbidity have unique needs for reproductive health services, including contraception and abortion. However, barriers such as state legislation, access to trained providers, and challenges in assessing and communicating risk often make it difficult for these women to obtain needed services.To address these issues, leaders in obstetric care, family planning, and reproductive health law gathered for a 2-day workshop entitled “Reproductive Services for Women atHigh Risk for Maternal Mortality.” The workshop was held inc onjunction with the 39th Annual Pregnancy Meeting in LasVegas, Nevada, and was cosponsored by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Fellowship in Family Planning, and Society of Family Planning. Goals of the workshop were to review the following issues, discuss recommendations, and create consensus concerning assessment, counseling, and training:
 

• Current evidence on the role of family planning in the reduction of maternal mortality; existing barriers to accessing reproductive services
   
• Risks and benefits of termination services for high-risk pregnant women
   
• Risks of pregnancy continuation vs termination in various clinical situations; considerations when assessing women at high risk for complications
   
• Best practices for models of care to provide reproductive services for women at high risk for maternal mortality

This executive summary briefly reviews the main outcomes of the workshop. A research paper that presents detailed clinical guidance and proposes future research directions will be published at a later date.