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Article10 min read
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Women with rheumatic diseases value proactive future-planning discussions and clear information from their doctors, along with ongoing multi-specialty support, to help them navigate reproductive health decisions.1 However, ~40% (n=70) of rheumatologists prefer to leave future family planning discussions to obstetricians and gynaecologists.2,a
Shared decision-making fosters collaboration between women of childbearing age and clinicians, allowing them to co-develop treatment plans that integrate evidence, clinical expertise and patient preferences.2
This process supports personalised care by incorporating future family goals into treatment plans, whilst also promoting safe prescribing practices.3
Given the importance of considering the future plans of women of childbearing age, rheumatologists require actionable guidance to navigate these conversations with patients effectively.3
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THE PATIENT VOICE
Women with rheumatic diseases value proactive, regular discussions with their rheumatologists about how their condition and treatments may affect future plans, including their wish to have a family.¹ Lynette, a patient advocate for chronic inflammatory conditions, shares her personal experience of future planning conversations with her healthcare team. Lynette underscores the critical role of shared decision-making, advocating for early future-planning discussions from diagnosis to better address patient needs.
“I wish that from the very onset of being diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory condition, that just simply the conversation was had of if I would like to start a family one day”
Lynette
A patient advocate with a chronic inflammatory condition
HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS
Prof. Laura Andreoli, a rheumatologist and associate professor at the University of Brescia in Italy, provides a physician’s perspective on the importance of these shared decision-making discussions:
“We need to provide all the relevant information and to be clear about what is known and what is not known around the reproductive issues in rheumatic diseases, so that our patients can really take informed decisions around their reproductive plans and live the way they just want to live.”
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Prof. Laura Andreoli
University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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HEAR FROM EXPERTS
Collaborative solutions: Improving care for women with chronic rheumatic diseases
As discussed by Lynette above, future planning is a key issue for women of childbearing age with chronic inflammatory diseases, yet there remain unmet needs in this area.¹ Featuring expert commentary from Dr Jane Salmon, we explore how collaboration can enhance support and care.
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Dr Jane Salmon
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
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“Collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary to study drugs that are extant and see whether or not they're effective and safe in pregnancy. That requires a relationship with patients, patient advocates, physicians, industry and the regulators”6
Dr Jane Salmon
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
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Date of preparation: February 2026