Birth Control

Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is essential to our health, well-being, and even economic success.

Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is essential to our health, well-being, and even economic success. Yet all too often, good information can be hard to find. And decisions made by distant policymakers — some well-intentioned, others not so much — can get in the way. The following fact sheets and articles touch on the health information and policy advocacy knowledge you need to make good choices for your health while becoming a smart activist for contraceptive access.

Health Facts

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Policy Info

Reproductive Coercion and Sterilization Abuse

By: NWHN Staff , , , ,

It’s not possible to understand present-day reproductive coercion, or its lasting impact on marginalized communities, without understanding the United States’ long history of sterilization abuse.

Contraception Self-Advocacy

By: Tessa Ruff , , ,

Advocating for yourself in the provider’s office
is a crucial part of ensuring that you get the best contraception care for you. Here are a few tips and strategies.

Smartphone Contraception: Policy Issues

By: NWHN Staff , , , , ,

Natural Cycles is a high-tech version of the classic rhythm method (also called natural family planning or the fertility awareness method) in which users track their ovulation cycles in order to avoid pregnancy.

Policy Issues: Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

By: NWHN Staff , , ,

Aggressive promotion of LARCs—or of any method—infringes on reproductive autonomy, and can’t be separated from the broader context of reproductive coercion.

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Thank You, Health Reform!

By: Cindy Pearson ,, , , Deep Dive Articles

As I write this column, health care reform is under attack in Congress. Opponents of reform have seized upon one specific women’s health issue and are using it to try to undermine the entire effort. Sound familiar? It should. Almost...

Not Your Mother’s IUD: Risks and Benefit’s of Modern IUDs

By: Ginny Cassidy-Brinn ,, , , , Deep Dive Articles

I had an Intrauterine Devices (IUD) in the 70s, when a feminist outcry exposed serious problems caused by the Dalkon Shield IUD, including infertility, uterine perforation, and death. The Dalkon Shield was removed from the market and its manufacturer declared...

Medicaid Coverage of Plan B Over the Counter: New York State’s Experience

By: The Education Fund of Family Planning Advocates of New York State ,, , , , , , Deep Dive Articles,Policy Updates

Advocates fought for years to make emergency contraception available over-the-counter so that women could have convenient and timely access to this contraceptive option when they needed it. But removing the prescription requirement created a new barrier for some women.