Over 98% of all women in America use some form of contraception during their lives. Oral birth control (the pill), when properly used, can protect against pregnancies. Some forms of birth control, such as condoms, also help protect against sexually transmitted diseases. There are many types of birth control methods available to couples and these can be categorized as barrier methods, hormonal methods, intrauterine devices, fertility awareness and sterilization.

In Arizona

In 2006, 1,342,480 women ages 13-44 in the state of Arizona were in need of contraceptive services or supplies. There are 192 publicly funded family planning clinics in the state of Arizona, with all counties in the state having at least one clinic.< In 2006, they served 128,820 women, 29,940 of whom were teenagers. Title X of the Public Health Service Act, the only federal program devoted solely to the provision of publicly supported family planning services, supports 46 family planning clinics in Arizona. These clinics serve 57,470 women, including 12,070 teenagers. [Guttmacher Institute, Fact Sheet, Contraceptive Needs and Services, 2006] Arizona has a mandate for all insurers to cover contraceptive costs.

Our Stance

NARAL Pro-Choice Arizona is committed to expanding access to birth control in our state by supporting increased family planning services, broader access to contraception, and wider availability of emergency contraception (NOTE: Emergency contraception, or "The Morning After Pill" should not be confused with RU 486, "The Abortion Pill". Emergency contraception can only prevent pregnancy, and does not result in an abortion).

Resources

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