Is Better Access to Sex Ed and Contraceptive Methods Behind the Latest Significant Decline in Abortion Rates?

So young people need information, that much is clear. Who do they get it from? John Snow, Inc. has conducted two studies which explored issues and factors associated with choosing birth control methods and unintended pregnancy in two Colorado counties. Two key messages came out of these studies. The first is that young women (and men) want information about making healthy choices if they decide to become sexually active; and secondly their parents and health care providers are their most trusted sources of information. These results are similar to National Campaign findings.

Participants in the JSI study underscored the value of providers. Here is one participant’s comment:

“I think doctors should spend more time talking about birth control. Even if it’s just 15 minutes, like this is what it is, this is what it’s going to do to you, this is what it may cause for you. Because for them, what’s that? What’s five minutes to them for a lifetime to someone else? That right there could change someone’s life. They’re getting paid good money, why don’t they sit there for another 10 minutes? It’s not going to hurt.”

The information imparted during a contraceptive method visit is very important, as it enables women to choose and employ contraception with satisfaction and technical competence. A long-running quality improvement project with Title X Family Planning clinics found that a lack of information is a reason for discontinuing method use, and belief in rumors may be a deterrent to use altogether. The common response in this study was that women would like more information about the method that they are going to use so that they can make sure that it will fit into their lifestyle, among other considerations.

Reducing unintended pregnancies, particularly among adolescents, would improve educational and employment opportunities for women which would, in turn, contribute to improving the status of women, increasing family savings, reducing poverty and spurring economic growth. We have to end our taboo on open, honest conversations about sex because the stakes are too high.