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John Harris, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Whether it is someone with a disability learning how to achieve her reproductive health goals or someone with severe obesity and disability searching for good long-term care services, we need to help healthcare systems have more dignity, more equity, more accessibility, and more accommodation.
John Harris, MD, MSc
Research in Brief
Dr. Harris works to improve reproductive health care for women with disabilities by identifying barriers they face and developing programs to ensure equitable access to quality care. His research helps hospitals and clinics provide services that respect the needs and dignity of all women.
Current Projects
- Center for Pregnancy and Disability Research (2001–2029)
- Continuing Education Intervention to Address Ableism Among Obstetric Clinicians Providing Perinatal Care (2024–2029)
- Navigating and Embracing Change: Exploring Key Factors in the Menopause Experience of Women with Spinal Cord Injury (2025–2027)
- A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Support Tool for Reproductive Age Women with Physical Disabilities (2025-2030)
- Addressing Reproductive Health Care Disparities and Barriers Among Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities (2023–2028)
- Disparities in Perinatal Care and Outcomes Among Black Women and Latinas with Physical Disabilities (2001–2025)
- Developing and Testing an Evidence-Based Toolkit for Nursing Home Care of Residents with Obesity (2018–2024)
- Evaluation of Home- and Community-Based Services for Adults with Obesity and Disabilities (2021–2025)
Selected Publications
- McCabe M, Gabor A, Stephens J, McKee MM, Brown HK Ayers KB, Valentine A, Horner-Johnson W, Mitra M, Harris JA. Pilot Study for a Preconception Educational Intervention for People with Mobility Disabilities. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2025 Jun; 44:101101
- Gabor A, Stephens J, McKee MM, Brown HK Ayers KB, Valentine A, Horner-Johnson W, Mitra M, Harris JA. Consensus Preconception Educational Domains for People With Mobility Disabilities: A Delphi Study. Women's Health Issues. 2025;35(1):20-7. PMID: 39710533.
- Fernandez L, Shieu B, Trinkoff A, Castle N, Wolf DG, Handler S, Harris JA. Paying A Heavy Price: Costs of Care for People with Severe Obesity in Nursing Homes. Gerontologist. 2024 Jul; 64(7):gnad150.
For additional publications, click here.
Research Group
In the News
Jul 7, 2025
Q&A with Dr. John A. Harris, Director of The Center for Women with Disabilities
Oct 12, 2020
MWRI Investigator Dr. John Harris’ clinical work featured in Tribune Review
Jun 19, 2020
TODAY covers the Center for Women with Disabilities at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital
Jun 18, 2020
Women with disabilities can't get OB-GYN care. Some clinics are trying to fix that