Contraception Usage and Workforce Trends Through 2022 was published today in the medical journal, JAMA Network Open. George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health researchers examined the landscape of reproductive health care, including contraceptive methods from January 2019 through December 2022.
The study looked at the usage of several common contraceptive methods including: pill, patch, ring, IUD, implant, injectable, vasectomy and tubal sterilization starting in early 2019 to the end of 2022. It also examined changes in the workforce providing these types of contraceptives.
Findings:
- Between 2019-2022, most contraceptive services showed steady downward trends, except for sharp declines during the early COVID-19 months and temporary increases in the month following the ruling of Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
- Vasectomy is the exception with a steady increase in the number of services following the early COVID-19 months.
- Between 2019-2022, the number of physicians providing contraceptives stayed flat or decreased, while the number of advanced practice clinicians (nurse practitioners, physician assistants) providing contraceptives increased.
- The decreases found in contraceptive services and the workforce providing these methods indicate growing challenges for contraception access.
- Further shifts in the workforce, potentially as a result of clinicians leaving abortion-restrictive states, will change the landscape of reproductive health even further.
If you would like to schedule an interview with lead author Julia Strasser with the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, [email protected].
-GW-