On ‘Thanks Birth Control’ Day, new survey shows young people concerned  about access to contraception
 

Portland, ME – Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) is proud to participate in, “Thanks, Birth Control” Day, a time to highlight the many ways that birth control improves people’s lives, including the ability to plan their families, finish their education, and pursue their dreams. This annual observance founded by the Power to Decide campaign is also an important opportunity to help share facts and dispel myths about contraception. 

A new survey released by the Power to Decide finds the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is fueling young adults’ concerns about birth control. Six in 10 of survey respondents ages 18 to 29 believe birth control will be more difficult to access now that Roe has been overturned. PPNNE experienced significant demand for long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) at their health centers immediately following the Dobbs decision — up to a 60% increase July versus June 2022. 

Thirty eight percent of survey respondents said they looked for information about contraception from social media platforms in the last year such as Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok, compared to 28% who received it from a health care provider. To meet people where they are at, PPNNE provides medically accurate information through its various online platforms. 

“The survey results mimic what we’re seeing at PPNNE,” said Nicole Clegg, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at PPNNE. “Patients are scared about their ability to control their bodies and their futures and are seeking reliable information. That’s why in addition to providing a full range of birth control methods, PPNNE is proud to be a source of accurate, unbiased sexual and reproductive health care education on social media, on our website, and in-person through our education and training programs.” 

“Birth control isn’t controversial — it’s basic health care. 99% of women have used it, whether that was to treat a medical condition, help with painful periods, or to simply prevent pregnancy.” 

In FY22, more than a third of all visits at PPNNE health centers were related to birth control. PPNNE dispensed 7,291 cycles of birth control at their health centers across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, and provided 4,473 forms of LARCs to patients, such as IUDs or implants. Their education and training programs reached hundreds of young people across the three-state region.

To make a birth control appointment at PPNNE, patients can call 866-476-1321 or book online at www.ppnne.org