A Crucial Conversation: Improving Contraceptive Outcomes for Women
David Rowan, Rowan Foundation Founder
As the founder of the Rowan Foundation, my mission is deeply personal. I lost my only child, my beautiful daughter, Alex, to a blood clot linked to hormonal contraception. Alex was only 23. It is an unimaginable loss—one that no parent should ever have to endure.
Tragically, Alex’s story is not unique. Too many families have faced the devastating consequences of a silent and under-acknowledged risk. That is why the Rowan Foundation is committed to making a difference, and why I am proud to report our sponsorship of an upcoming roundtable, “Informed Choices: Improving Contraceptive Outcomes for Women.” This event is being hosted on the University of Houston campus by the school’s Student Health Center and Campus Pharmacy. It is taking place during Blood Clot Awareness Month, on Wednesday, March 19. Most importantly, we look forward to sharing the proceedings of this roundtable discussion with healthcare professionals and the public later this year.
Why This Roundtable Matters
Women deserve clear, accurate, and transparent information about their birth control options. The decisions they make regarding contraception should be based on comprehensive, unbiased knowledge of both benefits and risks. Unfortunately, many women are unaware of the potential for blood clots associated with hormonal contraception. In some cases, critical health discussions are rushed. Blood clot risks are downplayed or not mentioned at all.
Our upcoming roundtable will bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates to discuss how we can improve contraceptive counseling and ensure that all women receive the information they need to make truly informed choices. This is not about fear. Rather, it’s about education and empowerment. It’s about making sure women are fully equipped to make the best decisions for their health.
The Vital Role of Healthcare Professionals
Doctors, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers play a critical role in women’s health. In fact, they are often the first and most trusted source of information when it comes to contraception. We recognize the immense pressures they face—limited appointment times, a wealth of medical concerns to address, and the challenge of balancing risk discussions with accessibility. However, when it comes to birth control, full disclosure is essential. Women should not have to learn about the risk of blood clots the hard way—through personal tragedy.
One of our Foundation’s key objectives is to strengthen dialogue with healthcare providers. Therefore, we want to ensure that medical professionals have the resources, training, and support they need to communicate contraceptive risks effectively and compassionately. Our work is not about discouraging birth control use. Our work is focused on advocating for a patient-centered approach where every woman understands her body, her risks, and her choices.
Supporting This Mission
Alex Rowan
Alex’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that informed choices save lives. Therefore, through initiatives like our roundtable this month, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future where no woman is left in the dark about her health. However, we cannot do it alone. If you believe in the power of education, advocacy, and transparency in women’s health, I invite you to support the Rowan Foundation. Your donation allows us to continue this essential work—expanding outreach, fostering critical discussions with healthcare professionals, and ensuring that women everywhere have access to the knowledge they deserve.
Let’s work together to make contraception safer, information clearer, and choices truly informed. You can learn more about the work of our organization in this short video: Rowan Foundation Mission.
Please consider donating today. Your support can save lives. You can donate here to be part of this vital mission. Thank you for standing with us.
