Angel M. Foster

Dr. Angel M. Foster is a Full Professor in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa, where she conducts groundbreaking research in reproductive health, women’s health, and global health policy. She holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford, an MD from Harvard Medical School, and advanced degrees from Stanford University. Her work spans over 22 countries, focusing on emergency contraception, abortion access, reproductive justice, and healthcare in conflict zones.

• DPhil, Middle Eastern Studies – University of Oxford (2001)
• MD – Harvard Medical School (2006)
• AM, International Policy Studies – Stanford University (1996)
• BAS, International Relations and Biology – Stanford University (1996)

Dr. Foster’s research interests center on expanding access to emergency contraception, improving abortion services, enhancing healthcare provider training, and addressing the reproductive health needs of vulnerable populations. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates medical anthropology, public health, and policy analysis to advance reproductive autonomy and justice globally.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on reproductive health in low-resource and conflict-affected settings, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Her work employs qualitative and mixed-methods designs to explore pharmacist practices, refugee health, abortion experiences, and policy implementation. A recurring theme is the evaluation of community-based interventions, such as misoprostol distribution and telemedicine abortion services.

• Darroch Award, Guttmacher Institute (2017)
• Inaugural Leadership Award, Canadian Partnership for Women’s and Children’s Health
• Public Service Award, Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (2018)
• Honorary Member, Federation of Women Physicians of Canada (2020)
• Atlas Award Nominee (2017)

Dr. Foster is actively involved in mentoring and supervision, accepting new graduate students. She has led major research initiatives, including the revision of the Inter-Agency Field Manual on Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Settings, and has secured significant grants through organizations like Ibis Reproductive Health and UNFPA. She is the co-founder and director of Cambridge Reproductive Health Consultants, a nonprofit advancing reproductive justice through research and innovation.

She leads and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across institutions, including the National Abortion Federation (USA and Canada), and maintains the widely used medicationabortion.com website. Her leadership in editorial roles for Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Contraception further amplifies her impact on global reproductive health discourse.