Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Celebrates “Thanks, Birth Control” Day
Vermont Business Magazine Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) celebrated “Thanks, Birth Control” Day on Wednesday, 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 Lucy Leriche, Vice President of Vermont 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 Vermont health centers, PPNNE dispensed 3,191cycles of birth control and provided 1,911 forms of LARCs, such as IUDs or implants. Their education and training programs reached hundreds of young people across New Hampshire.
Vermont’s elected leaders passed the Reproductive Liberty Amendment, a four-year process, which protects the right to choose or refuse contraception and sterilization. Vermont voters overwhelmingly passed the amendment with 77% approval on Election Day. The Reproductive Liberty Amendment will be certified and added to the Vermont state constitution the second week of December.
Vermont’s elected leaders have also taken steps to expand and protect access to birth control in recent years including: allowing for twelve months of dispensing for birth control in public and private insurance, covering contraceptives with no cost sharing, including vasectomy, and access to prescription hormonal contraceptives over the counter through pharmacists.
To make a birth control appointment at PPNNE, patients can call 866-476-1321 or book online at www.ppnne.org
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) PPNNE is the largest sexual and reproductive health care provider in northern New England. In FY22, PPNNE served more than 36,000 patients, and provided $5.1 million worth of free and discounted health care. www.ppnne.org
11.16.2022. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Colchester www.ppnne.org