The Reproductive Health Information Young People Need isn’t Available
This piece first appeared in our weekly newsletter, The Fallout.
Young people’s access to reproductive health care has always served as a canary-in-the-coal mine for general access to reproductive health care. Since the Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections two years ago, this has become more evident. The results of the first Youth Reproductive Health Access Survey were released by Power to Decide on Tuesday. This survey surveyed 15-29-year-olds who were assigned female at birth. This national survey examines young people’s attitudes and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health services and information, with a focus on abortion and contraception. The survey illustrates what advocates have said for years: Scientific and evidence-based information about reproductive and sexual health care is the critical foundation for reproductive autonomy.
That’s why conservative lawmakers have it in their sights.
According to the survey results, approximately 80 percent of young people wanted information on contraception and abortion from providers–but they only received it 33 percent and 3 percent of the time, respectively. Around 25 percent of respondents said that they didn’t have enough information about birth control to make a decision. About 30 percent were unable to determine which method was best for them. “As the YouR HeAlth Survey demonstrates, and as we know to true, health care providers play a crucial role in addressing the knowledge and self efficacy gaps of our young people in relation to sexual and reproductive healthcare information and care,” said Dr. Raegan McDowell-Mosley in a press release. “Providers have the responsibility and opportunity to empower young people and give them the information they need to make informed decisions and prioritize their reproductive well-being.”
Quite simply, there’s an information desert forming around reproductive and sexual health options for young people, and while providers have the ability to fill some of the gaps, they simply cannot do it alone. In the world of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, it is critical to prioritize our information architecture in order to fill this knowledge gap.
