Long-acting reversible contraception access
Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
- This strategy can help residents access health services. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Program basics
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants that can prevent pregnancy for 3–10 years
- Better than 99% effective, higher effectiveness rate than other birth control alternatives
- Can be used safely by teens and adults
- Often available at low or no cost through family planning sites and other sources of care
Strength of evidence
Evidence level: Strong (second-highest tier)
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Strong (second-highest tier)
Ranked as having the second-highest level of evidence by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps
Target population
Community-wide
Program cost
Variable
Implementation locations
- Nationwide
Dates active
Not available
Outcomes and impact
- Increased utilization of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
- Reduced unintended pregnancies
- Increased trainings for medical professionals to performing these services
- Increased monitoring of reproductive health in primary care settings
- Long-term satisfaction with LARC methods
Keys to successful implementation
- Note: This content is under review
- Programs using this strategy should bridge gaps in contraceptive provision. For example, target same-day contraception access in clinics and hospitals instead of multiple follow-ups at later dates.
- Successful programs conduct training for practitioners that cover not only medical procedures but also counseling and information with respect to contraceptive options and how they work to prevent pregnancy
- Partnerships with health centers and health care providers facilitate the integration of reproductive and contraceptive health care as part of primary health care
- Partnerships with community health workers allow identification of community needs and prioritization of resources
- Media coverage can be leveraged to expand reach of information
- Sociocultural stigma and inadequate funding for already under-resourced communities are the biggest barriers that prevent participation in contraceptive access programs