COVID-19’s impact on contraception experiences: Exacerbation of structural inequities in women's health

Abstract

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on sexual and reproductive health in Georgia, USA: An exploration of behaviors, contraceptive care, and partner abuse

“…Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our sample perceived an unplanned pregnancy negatively (“would be sort of bad” or “would be very bad”). During the pandemic, 45% of our sample experienced a decrease in household income, comparable with similar study samples [32] . Sixteen percent of individuals lost their health insurance.…”

How NPs can eliminate practice barriers to intrauterine device use

“…Women who live in poverty, experience housing and/or food insecurity, and have limited access to transportation reported a decreased desire for pregnancy during the pandemic but an even greater difficulty accessing contraception 6. Populations already at a social or economic disadvantage have experienced an even greater impact on reproductive autonomy, exacerbating structural inequalities 6…”

“…6 Women who live in poverty, experience housing and/or food insecurity, and have limited access to transportation reported a decreased desire for pregnancy during the pandemic but an even greater difficulty accessing contraception. 6 Populations already at a social or economic disadvantage have experienced an even greater impact on reproductive autonomy, exacerbating structural inequalities. 6 Contraceptive methods available to US women include over-the-counter condoms and spermicides, which are easiest to obtain but least effective with typical use, and oral pills, topical patches, and vaginal rings, which are more effective but require a prescription and still have a relatively high typical-use failure rate.…”

“…6 Populations already at a social or economic disadvantage have experienced an even greater impact on reproductive autonomy, exacerbating structural inequalities. 6 Contraceptive methods available to US women include over-the-counter condoms and spermicides, which are easiest to obtain but least effective with typical use, and oral pills, topical patches, and vaginal rings, which are more effective but require a prescription and still have a relatively high typical-use failure rate. The most effective options require at least one offi ce visit and include: injectable, implant, and IUD methods (see Proportion of users experiencing unintended pregnancy within fi rst year of use).…”

Association of Telehealth Reimbursement Parity With Contraceptive Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to contraceptive care while increasing contraception need because fewer women planned to become pregnant. 1 , 2 Increases in use of telehealth for contraception (telecontraception) during the pandemic present an opportunity to expand access to contraception via telehealth. 3 Reimbursement parity mandates implemented by some states in response to COVID-19 required insurers to reimburse for telehealth at the same rate as for in-person services, potentially increasing access to telecontraception.…”