Evan Theis is recent alumnus of the School of Public Health at Indiana University.

Research Statement: My passion lies in sexual health research, in relation to abortion-care related services; an intertwined subject matter involving mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual factors influencing one’s decision to terminate an unintended pregnancy. Dr. Gina Ogden’s 4-D theory synthesizes the human experience of mind, body, heart, and soul at the intersection of intimate relationships; thus utilizing this understanding throughout her sex therapy practice to holistically address the concerns of patients. My specific focus involves individuals who have had at least one child, compared to those who have not, prior to seeking an abortion. I aim to learn more regarding the influence of childbearing and childbirth as a distinct difference between their experiences to build upon the 4-D theory, with the support of the Kinsey Institute Library and Special Collections to help inform from a historical perspective.

When considering the decision to terminate an unintended pregnancy, the concepts of the 4-D theory perfectly encapsulate the essential knowledge necessary to provide informed consent and obtain complete understanding prior to receiving care. The physical consequences of carrying a pregnancy to term, emotional maintenance, mental health, and spirituality are taken into deep consideration; in many ways, intimate sexual relationships, family, and religion are altered by the responsibility of childbearing and birth. These perceived consequences and outcomes, positive or negative, can have detrimental effects on individuals exercising their rights. By better understanding this intersection, greater efforts can be well supported in designing integrative sex research methods, practices in sex therapy, as well as public health promotion techniques.