In the midst of abortion access restrictions, a new report from the CDC shows that many U.S. women are lacking in the most important parts of family planning services: contraception and counseling.
With such huge inequities based on race and income, access work is critical to empowering reproductive health choices.
The alarming underutilization of family planning services—a cornerstone of women’s health—amid rising abortion restrictions has left many aghast.
According to a new CDC report, about 36% of U.S. women of reproductive age accessed services like birth control, sterilization, or counseling within the last year, and it shows gaps in the availability of reproductive care.
These services are important in the prevention of unintended pregnancies and the enhancement of health outcomes.
However, huge disparities persist; nearly 40% of White women received care, but the rate was much lower for Black women at 35%, and only 32% of Hispanic women. Income and education also had a significant effect on access.
The situation has become even more dire since the 2022 Dobbs decision, which canceled federal abortion rights. Robin Marty, director of WAWC Healthcare in Alabama, discussed how her clinic transitioned from abortion care to centering on family planning.
“Many patients couldn’t access contraception before coming to us. Supporting their autonomy at every stage is essential,” Marty shared.
New policies, such as over-the-counter birth control and covering the cost of contraception, are efforts to bridge the gap. Challenges remain, though. Federal programs, such as Title X, which were established to provide support for family planning, have been unable to recover from the previous limitations.
Despite setbacks, clinics like WAWC continue to build trust and provide care. “We’re committed to helping people make the healthiest decisions,” said Marty, whose clinic now serves over 1,000 patients monthly.;
Expanding access to family planning is not just healthcare—it’s a lifeline for millions navigating restrictive reproductive landscapes.
