Report: 21 Million Women in U.S. Live in Counties With Limited Birth Control Access

More than 21 million women in the United States live in counties where access to affordable birth control is limited, according to data shared exclusively with NPR by two reproductive health research organizations.

The analysis was conducted by Guttmacher Institute and Power to Decide, both of which focus on reproductive health research and policy. The organizations reported that the figure represents women who need contraception but face barriers to obtaining it at low or no cost.

According to NPR, the two groups have developed an interactive map that breaks down contraceptive availability and need on a county-by-county basis across the country. The tool is intended to illustrate geographic disparities in access to birth control services.

NPR's report did not specify the exact methodology used to calculate the 21 million figure or the precise definition of "limited access" applied by the researchers, though it noted the data was compiled by Guttmacher and Power to Decide specifically for this analysis.

The findings come amid ongoing national discussions about reproductive health care access in the U.S., though NPR's report as excerpted did not detail specific policy responses or reactions from government officials to the new data.

Guttmacher Institute and Power to Decide are both organizations that conduct research and advocacy related to reproductive health, including contraception access and family planning services.