New York, NY—The Guttmacher Institute’s Co-Presidents and CEOs, Destiny Lopez and Jonathan Wittenberg, today announced the appointment of Dr. Blair G. Darney as Vice President for Domestic Research. In this role, Dr. Darney will shape and lead Guttmacher’s US research vision and strategy, ensuring the Institute’s work remains rigorous, policy-relevant, and impactful in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) nationwide. She will oversee an interdisciplinary team of domestic researchers and work in close partnership with the VP for International Research to guide the Institute’s overall research agenda. Her appointment is effective February 1, 2026.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Darney to Guttmacher at such a consequential moment for SRHR in the United States. Her track record of producing high-quality, policy-relevant evidence is exceptional, as is her commitment to champion and mentor scientists in the field. Blair’s leadership will bolster our already-strong program of domestic research, building on our scientists’ timely work to document the real-world impact of abortion and family planning restrictions and understand how the rapidly evolving landscape is impacting patients and providers alike,” said Wittenberg. “Among the many qualities she brings to the role, her experiences as a researcher working in both the United States and Mexico, and her intersectional scholarship on Latina immigrants to the United States, are timely additions that will advance our work both domestically and across the Latin American region.”
“This is a pivotal time for reproductive health and rights, and Dr. Darney’s appointment brings both expertise and momentum to our already-outstanding research team. Blair embodies Guttmacher’s commitment to advancing equity through evidence, and her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to illuminate gaps in care and defend access with data-driven clarity,” said Lopez.
“I am honored to join the Guttmacher Institute and to contribute to its long-standing legacy of producing rigorous research that drives policy change and expands access to essential care. At a time when evidence is more critical than ever, I look forward to working alongside such a talented team to generate key evidence to both illuminate the challenges facing people across the United States and build the world we want to see,” said Dr. Darney.
Blair G. Darney, PhD, MPH, is a leading reproductive health services researcher and an Associate Professor at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine, with a joint appointment at Mexico’s National Institute of Public Health. With deep expertise in abortion, contraception, maternal health, and health systems, her work examines service delivery, disparities in access to care, and health outcomes across the United States and Mexico.
Dr. Darney has led and collaborated on studies supported by the World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, Office of Population Affairs, Society of Family Planning, and major philanthropic partners, and her research frequently informs policy debates and advocacy efforts. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Contraception, serves on the Board of the Society of Family Planning, has provided expert testimony in Title X litigation, and is a dedicated mentor to diverse emerging scholars. Dr. Darney holds an MPH from Yale University and a PhD from the University of Washington.