We help people with autoimmune diseases to have healthier lives, healthier pregnancies, and healthier families.
The Context
Around 8% of people in the U.S. have an autoimmune disease. Around 80% are women.
Our research focuses on improving reproductive health and well-being for this population.
The Problem
Many people with autoimmune diseases face unanswered questions about pregnancy, fertility, hormones, and long‑term health.
Our team works to help women with autoimmune diseases have safe, healthy reproductive lives.
What The Research Shows
Among women with autoimmune diseases:
Disease Control Matters
Well-controlled disease is linked to healthy outcomes for mom and baby, though some conditions may worsen during pregnancy.
Many Medications are Safe
But some are not recommended during pregnancy.
Birth Control is Safe—but Underused
Many women avoid using birth control due to concerns about how hormones may affect their conditions.
Fertility Treatment Use is Increasing
More women are seeking fertility treatment and have questions about how it affects their condition.
Disparities in Pregnancy Outcomes Exist
Women of color and those with lower incomes are more likely to experience worse pregnancy outcomes.
Birru Talabi Lab’s
Mission & Approach
Research Mission
Our mission is to help people with autoimmune and other chronic diseases achieve healthier lives, pregnancies, and families, with a particular focus on supporting women from socially marginalized backgrounds in attaining healthy reproductive lives. We strive to engage in high-impact projects that redefine the standards of reproductive healthcare for this population, while also examining how health policies influence their reproductive outcomes. Throughout our work, we remain grounded in the principles of reproductive justice and cultural humility.
At the heart of our work is listening to patients and ensuring research reflects their real needs.
Our Team’s Approach
We collaborate closely with rheumatologists, other clinicians, researchers, students, and community members, ensuring that our work includes people from diverse backgrounds so our research reflects the needs of everyone. By studying a wide range of autoimmune and other chronic diseases, we aim to improve healthcare for individuals with even rare conditions. Our efforts are grounded in learning and teaching about reproductive justice and autonomy, providing a foundation for respectful and equitable reproductive healthcare.
Participants are partners in our research, and we prioritize respect, transparency, and shared decision‑making.
Leading High-Impact Projects
We lead nationally funded research programs that improve reproductive health care for people with autoimmune and chronic diseases—by generating evidence that clinicians and patients can use. Our research programs are designed to support patients, inform clinicians, and create opportunities for meaningful participation in research. These programs include:
Leadership as the co-Principal Investigator of the six-year, NIH-funded, $13 million EMBRACE Center, a Maternal Health Research Center of Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh.
REINA, a growing research registry of reproductive-age women with autoimmune diseases.
A dedicated senior research team and collaborations with multidisciplinary scholars locally and nationally, including the CONVERGE Center for Gender Health Equity.
Together, these projects allow us to answer pressing questions about pregnancy, fertility, medications, and long‑term health outcomes for people with autoimmune diseases—and to ensure research reflects the experiences of the people most affected.
