ABSTRACT
Imani is a 16-year-old African-American teen living in a rural town in Texas. She lives with her deeply conservative and religious family of six; the family is very emotionally close and supportive of one another. Imani’s town is located in a remote area with few health care and other resources. The closest town is about 60 miles away. Imani is very popular and is doing well in school. Recently, she became sexually active with her boyfriend of one year. She also has been experiencing painful periods and was recently diagnosed with endometriosis; her physician prescribed oral contraceptives to help manage the pain. Imani is considering taking them for pain and to prevent pregnancy, but Imani’s family is vehemently against the use of contraceptives for any reason. Because of her situation with her health and relationship, Imani is beginning to question her beliefs, but she doesn’t want to upset her family. She decided to fill her prescription, but the pharmacist at the only drugstore in town refuses to fill it, citing religious beliefs. Imani doesn’t have the resources to drive to the next town to another drugstore, and she’s not sure where she can go to get her prescription filled. Imani’s situation has caused her a lot of distress as she reconsiders her spirituality, religious practices, and relationship with her family and community. Imani’s friend has convinced her to talk with the school social worker about her situation.
