September 26, 2023
Discussing sex and contraception can be challenging for many adults, yet the reality is that most teens in the U.S. engage in sexual activity by their late teens. This underscores the importance of equipping young people with the necessary information and resources to prevent unintended pregnancies. Research indicates that making contraceptives more accessible doesn’t lead to increased sexual activity among teens; rather, it significantly reduces the number of unplanned pregnancies. Parents should view conversations about birth control as a vital opportunity for open discussions about sexuality.
As a pediatrician with a focus on adolescent health, I’ve witnessed the negative ramifications that restrictive access to contraceptive options can have on young individuals. Many teens who are either considering or entering into romantic relationships often find themselves without a healthcare provider who can comfortably address their concerns about sex. Additionally, some may feel too intimidated to approach their parents about these topics, putting their reproductive health at unnecessary risk.
In my role as a researcher, I am constantly on the lookout for innovative solutions to enhance contraceptive access for adolescents. Allowing over-the-counter availability of oral contraceptives is one promising approach that could eliminate significant barriers and ensure that all young people have the means to prevent a pregnancy they’re not ready for.
When parents and healthcare professionals fail to prepare youth adequately for sexual health issues, challenging situations can arise. I still recall one of my first cases involving an unintended pregnancy in a teen patient. She had come in for a routine checkup with her mother, intending to start birth control. To my astonishment, a pregnancy test revealed she was already expecting. Her reaction was heartbreaking; she was devastated, contemplating how this would affect her basketball season and her education. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered too many similar cases over my decade-long career, which fuels my commitment to advocate for accessible contraceptive options for the youth I serve.
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in contraceptive research and development, making birth control safer than it has ever been. While there are inherent risks, they are rare, particularly for women under 35. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the birth rate among women aged 15-19 hit a record low of 22.3 per 1,000 in 2015, marking an 8% decline from the previous year. This drop can largely be attributed to increased contraceptive use among teens.
Currently, condoms are the most popular form of birth control among adolescents, and these are readily available over the counter. Thus, adding another safe OTC contraceptive option seems like a logical step. When comparing the risks associated with birth control pills to those linked to pregnancy and childbirth, the latter present far greater dangers.
In my view, the primary hurdle to broader birth control access lies in the unnecessary obstacles that prevent individuals from obtaining it. Transitioning birth control pills to over-the-counter status could eliminate many of these barriers. Modern contraceptive pills fulfill all the FDA criteria for OTC availability: they are safe for self-administration, effective when used correctly, address self-diagnosable concerns, and come with easy-to-understand labels.
While clinical consultations provide valuable contraceptive counseling and options for patients visiting healthcare providers, I understand that many individuals face challenges in accessing these services. A national survey revealed that nearly one-third of women wanting birth control pills encountered obstacles, including the cost of office visits and inflexible clinic hours. Vulnerable populations, such as adolescents, non-English speakers, and uninsured individuals, are particularly affected by these barriers. Therefore, providing contraceptive access in non-clinical settings, when feasible and safe, is essential.
It’s time for adults to stop avoiding the reality that young people require birth control. Adolescence is a tumultuous period filled with rapid changes, and facing an unintended pregnancy can be overwhelming for anyone, especially those still navigating their identities and futures. Let’s work towards reducing the obstacles to contraceptive access, making life just a bit easier for both parents and teens.
For further information on pregnancy and resources for home insemination, visit CDC Pregnancy Resources. You can also check out Modern Family Blog for additional insights on this topic. If you’re interested in exploring fertility options, consider the artificial insemination kit featured in our other blog post, found at Make a Mom.