Black Fathers as an Asset in Times of Crisis: Associations Between Father Involvement and Daughters’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes

The post-Dobbs decision has exacerbated the challenges Black women face in navigating sexual and reproductive health. The ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization not only ended federally protected access to abortion but also expanded state authority to impose stricter barriers to sexual health care. As a result, Black women face increased difficulty not only in obtaining abortions but also in securing necessary and preferred contraceptive methods. Addressing culturally responsive sexual and reproductive health needs, especially in the post-Dobbs era, requires a focus on interventions that leverage trusted sources of information, such as parental ties, and systems at both familial and community levels. This study provides an overview of the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) landscape before and after the Dobbs decision, focusing on Black women and the historical role of Black fathers in their daughters' SRH education. Results from chi-square, Cramér's V, and Somers' D tests revealed significant associations within a sample of N = 735 young adult Black women. Participants who received information about contraceptives from their fathers used them more frequently than those who did not. Additionally, those who received this information during adolescence were more likely to use contraceptives later in life. Having early conversations about sex with their fathers was also linked to contraceptive use in young adulthood. These findings highlight the crucial role Black fathers play in helping their daughters navigate limited SRH resources, particularly in the post-Dobbs era, increasing the likelihood of access to necessary contraceptive methods.