Study Released Today on the Recession and Family Planning Details the Economy’s Impact on Women’s Health Decisions

Impact of the Recession on Women’s Family Planning and Pregnancy Decisions. The report examines how women’s contraceptive use and childbearing decisions have been affected by the recession. PPMNS is seeing many of the same trends noted in the report in clinics across our region.
 
Some of the findings of the report include:

•    Nearly half of the women surveyed said they want to delay pregnancy or limit the number of children they have because of the economy.

•    Nearly one in four women reported delaying a gynecological or contraceptive visit because of financial concerns.

•    More than one in four women said they or their partners have lost jobs or health insurance in the last year.

•    Women who are financially worse off were more likely to report changes in contraception use and childbearing decisions, including being more likely to forgo contraception or switch to a long-term contraceptive method in order to save money.

“Too many women can’t afford birth control, and too few families have adequate health insurance coverage.  Planned Parenthood ensures that women, men, and teens have access to reproductive health care services, regardless of income,” said PPMNS spokeswoman Kathi Di Nicola.

Today, one in four women who receives contraceptive care does so at a women’s health center.  One in six women who obtains a Pap test or a pelvic exam does so at a women’s health center, as do one-third of women who receive counseling, testing, or treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.  

“This basic health care is essential, particularly during difficult economic times, to give women the tools they need to protect and support their families,” Di Nicola said.


“Community health providers like Planned Parenthood serve as a critical entry point into the health care system for tens of thousands of Minnesotans. For many women, the only doctor or nurse they see is the one they visit at a health center like Planned Parenthood,” said Di Nicola.

The vast majority of care — more than 95 percent— offered by PPMNS is preventive and primary.  This includes contraception, routine gynecological exams, breast and cervical cancer screening, and STD/HIV testing.