Our Top Nine

We’d like to express our thanks for all that you’ve done this year to advance and support young people’s power to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. As 2019 ends, let’s look back at nine blogs from the year.  

1. More Than “Filling a Void” 
   This blog showcases a collation’s work to significantly reduce inequitable reproductive health outcomes that disproportionately impact youth in foster care, such as high rates of unintended pregnancy and STIs, obstruction of access to care, and lack of sexual health education.  
2. 59 Years of The Pill 
   The FDA Advisory Committee voted to approve the first birth control pill 59 years ago. Our CEO, Ginny Ehrlich, wrote this article celebrating the pill for its contributions to women’s economic and educational mobility.  
3. These High Schoolers Say, “Talking is Power” 
   What do four teens have to say about their experiences with sex education? They told us about the need for more comprehensive sex ed and the importance of having a parent or champion in their life to answer questions about sex and contraception without judgment. 
4. Improving Access to and Demand for Birth Control in Kentucky 
   All Access EKY uses first-person storytelling to reduce taboos and increase education around contraception. They’re working to decrease birth control misconceptions, raise awareness by working with systems and providers, and increase regional funding to support access. 
5. Is Your Sex Ed for All? 
   This blog shows 5 ways you can tell if the answer is yes. Because we support sex ed that recognizes young people’s right to bodily autonomy and accurate sexual health information.  
6. Dr. Ruth Westheimer says #TalkingIsPower 
   After the premier of  Hulu documentary on her life, “Ask Dr. Ruth,” we held a screening and Q&A with the world-renowned sex therapist. She noted young people’s natural curiosity and encouraged the crowd to leave sex ed information around the house to help foster that curiosity: “If they are reluctant to ask questions, leave a book and they will read it.” 
7. Why People Still Say “Yes!” to Using Condoms 
   Many people still prefer condoms as their go-to method of birth control. One of those people shared five reasons why they prefer condoms over other methods of birth control.  
8. Improving Health Disparities for Native American Indian and Alaska Native Populations 
   Native communities are regularly overlooked and underrepresented within health care. Increased access and more reliable data will help Native populations reduce reproductive health disparities.   
9. A Teen’s Guide to Birth Control 
   Written by a teen for teens, this guide gives an idea of some of the options that teens can consider as they think about using birth control for the first time.  

We look forward to working with all of you in 2020. We will be ready, with you, to continue our efforts to build systems of support to help all young people to achieve the futures they want and deserve.