Talking about sex is uncomfortable. Such a conversation about private matters can be tough whether the discussion is with preteens or doctors. It is even more difficult when conducted in two different languages. But Marjorie Sable, Professor and Director of the Department of Social Work, works to break down the communication barrier when it comes to family planning.

Half of the pregnancies in the United States are unintentional, Sable reports, and she is interested in finding out why. Having extensively researched the barriers to family planning in both urban and rural areas of Missouri, she is able to identify some potential solutions. For instance, keeping clinics open longer and making services more user-friendly would be important steps.