Contraceptive access is a major public health concern, and it’s under threat. Republican legislators and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas have questioned whether women have a right to access contraception, and 12 states currently allow some healthcare providers to refuse contraception-related services. Some states have already restricted contraception access, with Idaho, for example, killing bills that would have allowed providers to expand contraception prescriptions from the current three-month maximum to six months.“When I've heard legislators speak out against birth control, I haven't really heard them make any distinction about women who use it for other health reasons or show any worry for them,” said Tara Mancini, director of policy for Power to Decide. “Regardless, we shouldn't be regulating contraception based on whether you're using it for birth control or whether you're using it for some other medical need; we need to trust people to use it, in consultation with their doctors.”Women who live in contraceptive deserts do still have options. Twenty-four states allow pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives, and with 90% of people in the U.S. living within five miles of a community pharmacy, that can help open up access.Telehealth, which increased 38-fold during the Covid-19 pandemic, has also allowed women more access to contraceptives, since they can speak to their healthcare provider (HCP) over video or phone, and then get their prescription filled at a local pharmacy.“Obviously we can't place an IUD, that has to be done in person, but many of the elements of screening and counseling for birth control pills, patch, ring, things like that can be done remotely. Even the Depo-Provera injection can be self administered subcutaneously,” Paris said.Visit our contraceptive access hub.