It’s a tricky topic for many parents, but let’s face it: most teens in the U.S. are sexually active by the time they hit 19. With that in mind, it’s essential to equip young people with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent unintended pregnancies. Research shows that making contraceptives more accessible doesn’t lead to increased sexual activity; rather, it results in fewer surprises. I urge parents to see conversations about contraception as a golden opportunity to delve into discussions about sex.
As a pediatrician focused on adolescent health, I witness the fallout of limited contraceptive access firsthand. Too often, teens eager to start intimate relationships find themselves without a supportive healthcare provider or feel too shy to talk to their parents, putting their reproductive health at unnecessary risk.
In my quest as a researcher, I continually seek innovative methods to enhance access to contraception, ensuring every teen can prevent an unplanned pregnancy. One promising solution is making oral contraceptives available over-the-counter (OTC). This would significantly reduce barriers and allow individuals of all ages to obtain them without hassle.
When we fail to prepare our youth, unfortunate situations arise. I’ll never forget a particular case: a young girl came in with her mom for a routine checkup, hoping to start on birth control. But after running a pregnancy test, I was stunned to see a positive result. Her emotional response was heartbreaking, and it’s a situation I’ve encountered too many times in my decade of practice. This drives me to collaborate with parents and clinicians to ensure teenagers can access contraception when needed.
Advancements in birth control have been remarkable over the past ten years, making it safer than ever. While risks do exist, they are rare, especially for those under 35. The CDC reported a record low in 2015, with only 22.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19. This decline can largely be attributed to increased contraceptive use. With condoms already available OTC and the addition of another safe over-the-counter option, it’s a no-brainer.
The biggest hurdle to broader contraceptive use is the unnecessary obstacles preventing access. Making birth control pills available OTC can eliminate many of these barriers. Current birth control pills meet all the FDA criteria for OTC status—they’re safe for self-administration, effective when taken correctly, address self-diagnosable issues, and come with easy-to-understand labels.
While I value the clinical interactions with patients, I recognize that many face challenges in accessing healthcare when they need it most. A national survey revealed that nearly one-third of women wanting to use the pill encounter barriers such as high office visit costs and inconvenient clinic hours. Adolescents and vulnerable populations are often hit hardest by these challenges. Therefore, providing contraceptive access in non-clinical settings is a beneficial approach.
We can’t ignore the fact that teens need birth control. Teenage life is turbulent enough without the added stress of an unplanned pregnancy. It’s complicated for adults to manage, let alone for someone just starting to navigate their identity and place in the world. Let’s work together to remove unnecessary roadblocks to contraception and make life a bit easier for both parents and teens.
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In summary, providing over-the-counter access to contraceptives for teens can play a crucial role in reducing unplanned pregnancies. By removing barriers and fostering open conversations, we can better support our youth and empower them to make informed choices about their reproductive health.