The Effects of Expanded Access to LARCs on Women’s Outcomes

This study will assess the impact of two large programs that dramatically expanded access to long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Prior work by this team showed that a LARC program in Colorado reduced teen birth rates. The new analyses will include a second program in St. Louis, consider program impacts for non-teens as well as teens, and include measures of educational attainment and labor force participation in addition to outcomes reflecting birth rates and reproductive health. Findings are expected to inform future debates about establishing and funding programs to facilitate access to LARCs, and can contribute to the evidence base on access to contraception more generally.