Contraception
Why We Care Why It Matters Barriers to Birth Control Our Work to Protect Access
Why We Care
As physicians, we see every day how access to contraception improves our patients’ lives. We know that it is crucial to women’s well-being and their children’s health, because access to contraception empowers patients to achieve their life goals, gives them autonomy to care for and support their families, and participate in society.
The most reliable forms of birth control are often too expensive to afford out of pocket. Because we believe everyone should be able to choose the method that meets their health needs, we are fighting to keep the Affordable Care Act’s contraception coverage.
It is critical that we continue to speak out for comprehensive education on, access to, and financial coverage for of all contraceptive methods so that patients are able to choose what is right for them. No one should be denied birth control because of where they work, their income, their age, or their geography.
Why It Matters
3.8M
Women
Received birth control from Title X program
2M
Unplanned pregnancies
Prevented by publicly funded contraception
9
States
Have restrictions on emergency contraception
Barriers to Birth Control
Patients face a variety of obstacles on the way to getting the contraception that's best for them.
Before the Affordable Care Act, access to contraception varied based on a person's insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act, women could find the right contraceptive method without worrying about high costs. But this contraception benefit is being threatened, and we are working to preserve it.
Although the ability to plan and space pregnancies is essential to women's health and well-being, many people have difficulty accessing either the prescription or the pharmacy. Our doctors are speaking out about access.
While many think of birth control as just the pill, some of the most reliable forms of birth control include long acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and implants. Many women may not know they have access to these effective options through the contraception benefit of the Affordable Care Act. We work to educate patients about their options.
Our Work to Protect Access
Press Release
Biden Admin Expands Access to Contraception: PRH Responds
The Biden-Harris Administration has proposed a new rule to expand affordable contraception coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Jamila Perritt, ob/gyn in Washington DC […]
Update
So-Called “Parental Rights” Bills and Their Threats to Reproductive Justice
Lately, you may have heard a lot about so-called “parental rights” bills and debates in state legislatures about whether civil rights, race, and history should […]
Update
A Primer on Birth Control Access in 2024
Contraceptive equity mandates that the entire spectrum of contraceptive care is accessible to all without barriers, pressure, or coercion. Although we have had recent wins […]
Press Release
Over the Counter Birth Control Coming to Pharmacies
Today, the first over the counter birth control pill, Opill, has shipped to pharmacies across the country. It will soon be available for patients as […]
Update
It’s Time to Make OTC Sexual and Reproductive Preventive Items Accessible to All
Physicians for Reproductive Health had the opportunity to submit information to the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) about […]
Update
Birth Control Primer
Full spectrum access to reproductive health care, including access to all forms of contraception free from barrier, is key to promoting health, equity, and autonomy […]
PRH in the News
The FDA approved the US’ first over-the-counter birth control pill. What happens next?
Board Chair Dr. Kristyn Brandi discusses the many benefits of how Opill’s over-the-counter availability.
PRH in the News
Affordability is key for birth control pill
Our Fellow Chelsea Thibodeau shares how making Opill available over the counter is an “excellent and appropriate move…”
Press Release
FDA Approves OTC Birth Control
Today, the FDA approved Opill, a progestin-only birth control pill, as the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States. President & CEO of […]
We need your help to protect the contraceptive coverage under the ACA.
Support access to contraception today with a tax-deductible donation.