Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. Contact:
Leslie Pritchard
(573) 694-4898 / LPritchard@MFHC.org
Missouri Foundation for Health Contact:
Daniel Waxler
(314) 345-5580 / dwaxler@mffh.org
Missouri residents are concerned about the future availability of birth control, according to a new survey of state residents. Approximately six in ten (59%) are concerned about elected officials in the state enacting laws that restrict people from getting birth control. In addition, almost one-third of survey respondents (31%) believe that birth control will be more difficult to get in two years than it is now.
Concern about laws restricting access to contraception is shared regardless of political party affiliation. Nearly half of Republicans (49%), 84% of Democrats, and 61% of Independents are concerned about legislation restricting access to birth control.
Although 85% of Missouri residents are supportive of people 18-35 having access to all methods of birth control -- including 85% of Republicans, 92% of Democrats, and 84% of Independents -- about one-third (31%) of survey respondents say that policymakers in Missouri are not supportive of birth control.
The survey of 1,000 Missouri residents was conducted as part of the Missouri-based The Right Time initiative. Through this effort, health centers across the state are improving access to contraception by providing free or low-cost birth control in 31 locations. The Right Time provides training, assistance, and funding for clinics to expand access to the full range of contraceptive methods. The initiative is focused on offering patients same-day access to all methods of birth control and has resources that make it easier for people in Missouri, including those who are uninsured or underinsured, to receive quality contraceptive care.
“Contraception is basic healthcare,” said Michelle Trupiano, Executive Director of Missouri Family Health Council. “The results of this survey make clear that many Missourians are worried about their ability to access this basic healthcare in the future. We will continue to work with partners statewide to ensure equitable access to quality contraceptive health information and services.”
The survey shows that there is widespread support for greater access to birth control, including one policy advancing in the legislature with bipartisan support. Fully 77% of respondents, believe patients should be able to get a yearlong supply of birth control, (including 75% of Republicans, 84% of Democrats, and 74% of Independents).
On other issues regarding contraceptive access:
- Nearly eight in ten (77%) are supportive of allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraception.
- Nearly eight in ten (78%) think emergency rooms in Missouri should make contraception available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence or human trafficking (including 82% of Republicans, 87% of Democrats and 72% of Independents).
“Missourians concerned with the ability to get birth control in the future will have an opportunity to enshrine reproductive freedom, including birth control, into the state Constitution, if enough signatures are gathered to put the issue on the ballot,” noted Trupiano.
“The Right Time remains fully committed to reducing barriers to contraception and improving access to reliable and relatable information about birth control,” said Kathleen Holmes, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Missouri Foundation for Health. “Our simple belief is that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue the future they want, including if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant.”
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About the Survey: The results presented here are based on an online survey of 1,000 Missouri residents fielded between February 21 and February 28, 2024. The survey was conducted by AYTM, an independent research organization and has a margin of error of +/- 3.10% at the 95% confidence level.
About The Right Time:
The Right Time is an initiative of Missouri Foundation for Health and is led by Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. The Right Time is improving information about, and access to, quality contraceptive services by reducing costs and improving access. TheRightTime.org provides residents of Missouri with access to free and low-cost birth control, trustworthy information on birth control, and is committed to addressing persistent health disparities. Visit TheRightTime.org for more information.
Missouri Foundation for Health is building a more equitable future through collaboration, convening, knowledge sharing and strategic investment. Working in partnership with communities and nonprofits, MFH is transforming systems to eliminate inequities within all aspects of health and addressing the social and economic factors that shape health outcomes.
Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. champions access for every individual to culturally sensitive, quality sexual and reproductive health education and services. Correcting misinformation about the legality of birth control, including emergency contraception (EC), is one of MFHC’s primary goals with its newly launched Free EC contraceptive access project which offers free emergency contraception to Missourians. Free EC kits can be picked up at over 40 locations throughout the state or requested by mail on the MFHC website: MFHC.org/EC.
