Business Details
Compassionate Reproductive Health Care in Phoenix
Desert Star Institute for Family Planning is a Black woman-led organization founded on the principles of Reproductive Justice. We prioritize equitable access to reproductive and sexual health care while centering Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. Our mission is driven by intentional partnerships and programming that build community trust and address systemic disparities. With over two decades of combined clinical expertise, our team delivers patient-centered care through integrated services including abortion, birth control, gender-affirming care, and comprehensive gynecological services.We maintain strict confidentiality and cultural competency, offering bilingual (English/Spanish) consultations and evidence-based education. Our commitment to transparency is demonstrated through sliding-scale pricing, insurance acceptance, and community outreach programs that train future providers while expanding access to underserved populations.
Services
Abortion Services
Birth Control
STD Testing
Gender-Affirming Care
Annual Exams
Gynecology
Family Planning
Miscarriage Care
HPV Vaccinations
Well-Woman Visits
Highlights and features
- Specialized in reproductive justice-centered care for marginalized communities
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) medical team with board-certified OB/GYN leadership
- Personalized care plans developed through comprehensive patient consultations
- Active participation in abortion provider training programs for future clinicians
- Community-focused approach with sliding-scale pricing and outreach initiatives
What people say
Exceptional compassion
Supportive environment
Same-day appointments
Bilingual services
Professional expertise
Services
Abortion Services
We provide safe, legal abortion care up to 24 weeks gestation using both medical and surgical methods. Our services comply with Arizona state regulations while maintaining patient confidentiality and dignity. The clinic offers pre-procedure counseling, sedation options, and comprehensive post-operative care.
Birth Control
Our family planning specialists offer personalized birth control consultations and prescriptions. Options include IUDs, implants, pills, patches, rings, and injections. We help patients select methods matching their lifestyle, medical needs, and reproductive goals through detailed risk-benefit assessments.
Gender-Affirming Care
We provide comprehensive gender-affirming medical care for adults 18+. Services include hormone therapy monitoring, wellness exams, and preventive screenings. Our approach prioritizes patient autonomy through informed consent models and trauma-informed care practices.
STD Testing
Our clinic offers confidential STD testing for common infections including HIV, HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Testing methods use urine samples, blood draws, or genital swabs with results typically available within one week. Positive cases receive immediate treatment planning.
Annual Exams
We conduct comprehensive annual wellness exams including breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap smears. These preventive visits assess reproductive health, screen for cancers, and address family planning needs. Patients receive personalized health education and vaccination recommendations.
People
DeShawn Taylor
Founder & Board-Certified OB/GYN
Dr. Taylor is a board-certified OB/GYN and family planning specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience. She completed her residency at Martin Luther King Jr./Charles Drew Medical Center and family planning fellowship at USC Medical School. A member of ACOG and the Society of Family Planning, she trains future abortion providers through our institute's educational programs.
Questions
What reproductive health services do you offer?
We provide abortion care up to 24 weeks, birth control options, STD testing, gender-affirming care, annual exams, and family planning consultations.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna. Contact our office for verification of your specific coverage.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Request appointments online through our patient portal or call 480-447-8857. Same-day appointments may be available for urgent needs.
Are services confidential?
All medical records and consultations maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations and Arizona state law.
Do you offer payment plans?
We provide sliding-scale fees based on income and offer payment arrangements for qualifying patients needing financial assistance.
What makes your clinic unique?
As a Black woman-led practice focused on reproductive justice, we center marginalized communities through culturally competent care and community education programs.
Reviews (4)
Miranda Leo
Jan 31, 2022
Report
This is a very belated review, but Ive been hearing horror stories lately about women who had horrible experiences when they got their IUDs and I just wanted to show my appreciation for Dr. Taylor, because that was not the experience that she gave me. She did everything in her power to make my IUD placement painless and I was counseled about it beforehand in a such a considerate and compassionate way. I felt I was in good hands. Unfortunately I have moved out of the area, but my visits to this clinic were great back when I could visit. Thank you Dr. Taylor! I cant recommend this office enough
Lawless Garcia
Jan 10, 2022
Report
The business complex its in looks a little bit rundown on the outside but its actually really nice on the inside. The office was efficient and practiced very good sanitation standards.
Christine B.
Dec 17, 2021
Report
Purposely chose this Provider hoping for someone who would actually hear my concerns and provide the compassionate care I - and other patients - needed. Almost didn't come here since the office is far from my home, but I am glad I did. It was a refreshing experience, I am happy to have established with Dr. Taylor for my care.
EDITED TO ADD: I see people's reviews regarding the email or portal requests for appointments that were not replied to. I also experienced this, where I requested an appointment via the website, received an email that they got my request, but did not realize my appointment
EDITED TO ADD: I see people's reviews regarding the email or portal requests for appointments that were not replied to. I also experienced this, where I requested an appointment via the website, received an email that they got my request, but did not realize my appointment
Madeline Roque
Nov 25, 2021
Report
Walked by the door this morning right before 9 am. The doctor was opening the door and as I walked near the door she just said " I'm not taking any walking today because one of my staff called out".. She didn't seem professional or friendly at all. She seemed annoyed and bothered to be there. I had the worse morning and coming here was such a slap on the face of noone is going to help. Super rude. Didn't even ask do you have an appointment or how can I help etc..
