FAQs for Reproductive Health 2010 Abstracts

Q: I have submitted an abstract to a different conference and it has been accepted for an oral or poster presentation. Can I still submit to Reproductive Health 2010?
A: Yes, as long as there are no previously published manuscripts in a peer-reviewed journal.

Q: Do abstracts have to be research-based? Can I submit a literature review, a program description, or a program evaluation?
A: Abstracts must be research-based. Literature reviews and program descriptions will not be accepted. Program evaluations are considered research-based and will be considered.

Q: Does data need to be complete for an abstract to be considered?
A: It is unlikely that research with incomplete data will be selected, especially for an oral abstract. Research with substantial data, especially randomized controlled trials, will be considered.

Q: If my abstract is accepted, where and when will it be published?
A: All accepted abstracts will be published in the print and online versions of the August 2010 edition of Contraception.

Q: If my abstract is accepted, where will it be presented? What will I be expected to do?
A: Abstracts chosen for oral and/or poster presentation will be featured at Reproductive Health 2010 in Atlanta, GA from September 22-25. It is required that a representative of your study attend the conference. Oral abstract presenters will be assigned a time to present their abstract. Poster presenters will be required to be available to discuss their posters during a poster reception (at minimum) and are encouraged to put their posters up at the beginning of the conference.

Q: If my abstract is accepted will I be able to make changes to the content prior to submission for publication?
A: No. If your abstract is selected, you will receive an e-mail with your abstract’s title, author names, and institution. You will be asked to verify that the information is correct, but will not have an opportunity to change the content of the abstract. Changes that are submitted will not be incorporated.

Q: How many abstracts will be accepted for Reproductive Health 2010?
A: Approximately 15 oral presentations and 100 posters

Q: Can tables, graphs, and/or charts be included in the abstract?
A: No. Tables, graphs, and/or charts cannot be included in your abstract submission. However, slides for oral presentation and posters may include these items.

Q: What is the abstract word count?
A: Not including the title there is a limit of 250 words, split among 4 sections: Objectives, Methods, Results and Conclusion. Each section has a 200 word limit, but submitters must conduct a word count on the entire abstract before completing online submission to be sure the entire abstract (excluding headings) is under 250 words. This is a strict cutoff and abstracts over the 250 word count will be disqualified and not eligible for a review.

Q: Do I need to specify whether my abstract is being submitted for oral or poster consideration?
A: No. This year, submitters will not be asked to indicate a preference. All abstracts will be scored and considered for oral presentations. Top scoring abstracts will be chosen as oral presentations; remaining high scoring abstracts will be chosen for poster presentations.

Q: What is the policy on “late breaking” abstracts?
A: Deadline for abstract submission is February 26 th. Any “late breaking” research may be addressed during a “Late Breaking Reproductive Health Updates” session at the conference, but this is not guaranteed and is typically unrelated to abstracts.

Q: Is it okay to submit research-based abstracts that were funded by corporate entities?
A: Yes. Research funded with commercial grant support will be considered . However, individuals who are employed by commercial entities are not eligible to give oral presentations. ACCME regulations prohibit this during accredited sessions.

Q: Why am I asked about student status? Who is considered a student?
A: Two awards are given annually to oral abstract presenters: Outstanding Researcher and Researcher-In-Training. Only students are eligible for the Researcher In Training Award. Residents and Fellows are considered students for the purposes of this award.

Q: Is there a discounted registration price for people presenting abstracts?
A: No. There is no distinct discount given to attendees presenting abstracts. However, discounts are available for those affiliated with ARHP, Planned Parenthood, and SFP. Discounts are also offered for students.