Interactive county-by-county map tracks contraception gaps nationwide
Two reproductive health research organizations, Guttmacher and Power to Decide, released an interactive county-by-county map on September 16 documenting contraception access gaps across the United States. Their data shows that more than 21 million women need birth control they cannot obtain, according to information the organizations shared exclusively with NPR.
The interactive tool displays, county by county, the availability and need for low- or no-cost contraception. Users can compare local availability with documented community need to identify areas where access falls short.
The 21 million figure represents women in the United States who need birth control but cannot access it, according to the organizations’ data. The map allows users to view county-level data on contraception availability and need.
NPR published the findings as an exclusive in its health section on September 16, with reporting by Selena Simmons-Duffin.