New Study Highlights the Need For Access to Affordable Birth Control

New York, NY — In advance of tonight’s State of the Union address, a new study released in JAMA Internal Medicine found that there was a sharp increase (of 21.6 percent) in the rate of women who chose to insert long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods in the 30 days after the 2016 presidential election as compared to the 30 days before. As the nation’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood saw nearly two million patients for birth control in 2016 and experienced a major increase in appointments for IUDs immediately following the 2016 election.

Statement from Dr. Leana Wen, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

In the first week after the 2016 election, Planned Parenthood saw an unprecedented surge in questions about access to health care and birth control, both online and in our health centers, and a nearly tenfold increase in appointments for IUDs. Our patients were concerned that their access to birth control and health care would be at risk under the new administration. The Trump-Pence administration has continually tried to cut access to reproductive health care, including the latest attacks on Title X, the nation’s only federal program dedicated to family planning, providing patients with  birth control, STI testing, cancer screenings, and more. Four million people a year rely on the program — and 41 percent get their health care through Planned Parenthood.

“Birth control methods are not one-size-fits-all. At Planned Parenthood, we are proud to offer the full range of contraceptive options and information to help our patients make an informed decision about which method is best for their needs. A method that’s right for one person may not be right for another. It’s important for every person to talk with their doctor or other health care provider about which method may work best for their health and their life.

“Planned Parenthood has worked for more than 100 years to expand people’s access to birth control and reproductive health care, and we will continue to be there for those who need us.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.