New survey shows young people are concerned about access to birth control in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Celebrates “Thanks, Birth Control” Day 

CONCORD, NH – 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) 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.

Statement from Kayla Montgomery, Vice President of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England:

“The survey results mimic what we’re seeing at PPNNE. Patients are concerned 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 that 99% of women have used, whether that was to treat a medical condition, help with painful periods, or to simply prevent pregnancy.” 

BACKGROUND:

In FY22, more than a third of all visits at PPNNE health centers were related to birth control. At New Hampshire health centers, PPNNE dispensed 2,536 cycles of birth control and inserted 1470 forms of LARCs, such as IUDs or implants. Their education and training programs reached hundreds of young people across New Hampshire.   

New Hampshire’s elected leaders have taken steps to expand and protect access to birth control, including the bi-partisan SB 421 in 2018 which reaffirmed New Hampshire’s longstanding support for birth control by building on the “Contraceptive Equity Act” of 1999 by ensuring that birth control remains no cost in New Hampshire. This bill was nearly unanimous in the New Hampshire Senate with a vote of 22-1. 

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

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Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) is the largest provider of reproductive and sexual health care across the State of New Hampshire. We serve New Hampshire residents through 5 health centers in Derry, Exeter, Keene, Manchester and White River Junction, VT. Last year we saw more than 10,000 patients at these sites. PPNNE was named a 2021 Guardian of Excellence Award^® winner by Press Ganey, the national leader in health care consumer and workforce engagement. Press Ganey recognizes PPNNE as a top-performing health care organization, achieving the 95^th percentile or above for performance in patient experience, out of more than 20,000 medical practices