Unsatisfied contraceptive preferences due to cost among women in the United States

Abstract

Objectives: To examine prevalence and characteristics associated with cost barriers to preferred contraceptive use. Study design: Among a nationally representative sample of women at risk of unplanned pregnancy in 2015–2017, we used Poisson regression to assess characteristics associated preferring a(nother) method in the absence of cost. Results: Overall, 22% preferred to use a(nother) method. Women using less-effective methods, who were Black or Hispanic, ages 15–24 and had low incomes, were more likely to report cost barriers. Conclusions: Using a preferred method is an indicator of access to care and reproductive autonomy. These results provide a benchmark to track the impact of policy changes.

Keywords

• Contraception
• Contraceptive preferences
• Cost barriers
• Policy