Why I’m Thankful for Birth Control

Now more than ever it’s important that we say, “Thanks, birth control!”

While the effort to politicize contraception has gained momentum, the reality is that according to a recent national poll, contraception is widely supported. Specifically, the majority of adults—regardless of race/ethnicity, region, and political affiliation—believe that birth control should be considered a basic part of women’s health care. And what’s more, nearly nine in 10 (86%) of respondents believe that everyone deserves access to the full range of birth control methods.

Do you love the freedom that comes with using a birth control method that works for you? What does having access to your preferred birth control method mean in your life? For me, access to birth control has allowed me to pursue meaningful work, travel, and complete my education.

Since almost all women have used birth control in their lifetimes, I am certain that you all have your reasons to be grateful for birth control. That is why I am asking you today to say #ThxBirthControl and to tell your story across all your favorite social media channels.

Singing from the rooftops about birth control has never been more important. While you know the many benefits of birth control and realize all that it has helped to make possible in your life, not everyone can say the same.

More than 19.5 million women eligible for publicly funded contraception live in contraceptive deserts – or counties in which there is not reasonable access to the full range of contraceptive methods. To get contraception these women must do more than show up to an appointment. They must find childcare, take time off work, or travel long distances to access their preferred birth control method.

To fill these gaps and reduce barriers, we created BCBenefits, a contraceptive access fund. BCBenefits supports women’s power to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. The fund helps women with low incomes overcome some of the most commonly-faced barriers in access to contraception, such as transportation.

So, after you thank your birth control method, consider making a donation to BCBenefits so that another woman can love her method like you do yours. Just $50 provides a woman with a full year’s supply of birth control. If you believe as we do that all women deserve access to basic health care, donate today.