Power to Decide, the campaign to prevent unplanned pregnancy

A collage of images portraying a birth control story

Tell Us Your Story

Have you ever struggled to find a provider who could prescribe or give you the method of birth control you wanted? What does having the right method of birth control make possible for you? Tell us your birth control story.
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an image of birth control pills next to one of a frustrated woman

Announcing BCBenefits: Our New Contraceptive Access Fund

Over 19.5 million women do not have easy access to the birth control they desire. Let's change that.
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A preview of the birth control access map

Lack of Access = Lack of Power to Decide

More than 19 million US women in need do not have reasonable access in their county to a health center that offers the full range of contraceptive methods. They live in what we call contraceptive deserts.
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The Latest

#TakeActionTuesdays
July 16, 2019

#TakeActionTuesdays

Everyone has the power to activate and make a difference. Every Tuesday check back for a new call to action!
A graph with a downward trend
June 20, 2019

On the decline

Why are birth rates in the US at a historic low?
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Support Services and Solutions

Our Select360 practice offers providers, organizations, public agencies and others ready-made solutions and technical assistance in program development and evaluation, communication, advocacy, and more.

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Why It Matters

Why The Power to Decide Matters

Having the power to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child increases young people’s opportunities to be healthy, to complete their education, and to pursue the future they want. But too many young people—especially those who are economically disadvantaged or marginalized—lack that power.

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Unplanned Pregnancy

Women who decide to become pregnant and have a child, rather than having it just happen, are better prepared emotionally and financially for the demands of having a baby. But they can’t make that decision if they lack information and access to contraception. Today about 80 percent of pregnancies among young women are described by the women themselves as unplanned. We need to change that!

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Teen Pregnancy

Nearly all teen pregnancies are unplanned. That is, teens say they did not want to get pregnant or cause a pregnancy. But teens lack access to the information and contraceptive methods they need to follow their intentions.

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The Cost

When young people are denied the power to decide their future, they have to adapt to their circumstances rather than leaping fully into wide-open opportunity. Unplanned pregnancy can dash the education, career, and economic dreams of young women and their children.

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