Most women in the US aren’t accessing family planning services.

Limited Access to Family Planning Services Persists Amid Growing Abortion Restrictions

A recent report highlights that most women in the United States have not accessed family planning services in recent years, even as abortion restrictions have intensified. The findings underscore a critical gap in reproductive health care at a time when access to these services is more vital than ever.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), family planning encompasses birth control, emergency contraception, sterilization, and related counseling. These services play a pivotal role in preventing unintended pregnancies and supporting overall health. Research suggests that family planning services help prevent more than 1.5 million unintended pregnancies annually in the U.S. However, new data reveals that only 35.7% of women of reproductive age received such services in 2022 and 2023.

This period coincided with the landmark Dobbs decision in June 2022, which overturned federal abortion protections. The ruling resulted in sweeping abortion bans in over a dozen states, including Alabama. The West Alabama Women’s Center, now operating as WAWC Healthcare, faced a significant shift in focus after the state implemented near-total abortion bans. Executive Director Robin Marty described the center’s pivot toward family planning services as a necessary adaptation to continue supporting women in the region.

Family planning services often represent the primary touchpoint for many women in the healthcare system. Their importance cannot be overstated, as inadequate access can lead to adverse health outcomes and limit reproductive autonomy. In the wake of the Dobbs decision, demand for emergency contraceptives, such as the morning-after pill, surged across the country. Drugstore chains implemented purchase limits to cope with heightened demand, and internet searches for terms like "birth control" and "IUD" increased significantly.

Despite the growing need, barriers to accessing family planning persist. For many women, particularly in states with stringent abortion laws, the availability of these services has become a crucial factor in their reproductive health choices. Advocates argue that expanding access to birth control and counseling is essential in addressing the shortfall in care.

The CDC's report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges women face in obtaining comprehensive reproductive health services. As abortion access continues to decline in many states, ensuring the availability of family planning resources remains a pressing issue for policymakers and healthcare providers alike.