Can a Startup Really Solve Access Issues For Birth Control?
From politics to doctor interference, there are too many things in the way, but technology and listening to women can help fix the problem
In 1960, when the pill was first made available to women for the indication of “menstrual regulation,” it couldn’t legally be discussed in association with or prescribed for contraception. And that would remain the case for nearly a decade.
Today, to a surprising degree, even as more than 99% of women have used at least one contraceptive method, the same elements of silence and taboo continue to define the conversation around birth control. Significant barriers to access remain in place as a result — and where they do, they’re not only negatively impacting women’s health, but perpetuating social inequality as well.
Clearly, it’s time for change. Let’s look at some of the most common barriers to access for women today, then show you how you can help make an impact.
Why is birth control still so hard to access?
There are at least four common barriers to birth control access for U.S. women today: faith and family, politics, doctor interference, and socioeconomic factors. Let’s break them…
