Universal access to contraception: women, families, and communities benefit.

Abstract

Universal access to contraception benefits society: unintended pregnancies, maternal mortality, preterm birth, abortions, and obesity would be reduced by increasing access to affordable contraception. Women should be able to choose when and whether to use contraception, choose which method to use, and have ready access to their chosen method. State and national government should support unrestricted access to all contraceptives. As obstetrician-gynecologists, we have a critical mandate, based on principle and mission, to step up with leadership on this vital medical and public health issue, to improve the lives of women, their families, and society. The field of Obstetrics and Gynecology must provide the leadership for moving forward. The American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society (AGOS), representing academic and public policy leaders from across all disciplines of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is well positioned to serve as a unifying organization, focused on developing a strong unified advocacy voice to fight for accessible contraception for all in the United States.