Birth Control

Health

Girls in Texas could get birth control at federal clinics — until a dad sued

Sarah Varney

Trump-appointed federal judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ruled that free birth control for teens from a federal program violates Texas law and parental rights. For now, it's still available in other states.

Following a recent court ruling, birth control pills will no longer be provided to teens without parental consent at clinics that receive federal funding through Title X.

Health

Texas family planning clinics require parental consent for birth control following court ruling

Eleanor Klibanoff

The Title X program has long provided free, confidential contraception to anyone, regardless of age, income or immigration status. A North Texas federal judge ruled in December that the program violates Texas law and parents’ rights.

Health

In the hunt for a male contraceptive, scientists look to stop sperm in their tracks

Regina G. Barber

For decades birth control research focused on women. Now there's a new push to develop gels, pills or other products that could keep men from getting their partners pregnant.

Amanda Phillips puts on eyeliner at her home in Austin. Phillips, who identifies as bisexual, says she has been dating more women since Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Health

What it’s like to date (and have sex) under Texas' abortion ban

Audrey McGlinchy

Some people are having deeper conversations earlier on in dating — not just about contraception and potential pregnancy but about values. The result can be increased intimacy, but also exhaustion, particularly among women.

Two people play with two large dogs in a backyard.

Health

With abortions banned, these Central Texans turned to permanent forms of birth control

Marisa Charpentier

Local doctors have seen a surge in requests for vasectomies and salpingectomies since Texas' abortion bans went into effect. Some people see this as a way to remain childfree, while others want to avoid high-risk pregnancies.

A package of Aviane birth control pills. The federal program known as Title X provides birth control, tests for sexually transmitted infections, and offers other reproductive health care for low-income patients.

Health

Title X advocates worry that birth control may go the same way as abortion

Ben Paviour

A Supreme Court ruling overturned Roe v. Wade. Now there's a big push to increase funding for Title X, a federal program that offers birth control and other reproductive care to low-income patients.

Research shows that expanded access to preventive care and coverage has led to an increase in colon cancer screenings, vaccinations, use of contraception and chronic disease screenings.

Health

Preventive care such as birth control, anti-HIV medicine challenged in Texas lawsuit

Allison Aubrey

Some object to paying for health insurance plans that cover preventive services that they say violate their religious beliefs, which could cause millions to lose access to care if the courts agree.

Drugmaker HRA Pharma has asked the Food and Drug Administration to approve an over-the-counter birth control pill called Opill. The agency's review process is estimated to take about 10 months.

Health

Over-the-counter birth control pills are available worldwide. The U.S. may be next

Allison Aubrey

Birth control pills are available in the U.S. only with a prescription. Now a drugmaker is asking the FDA to approve a progestin-only contraceptive that would be available without one at pharmacies.

Health

Without access to abortions, Texans are trying to find the right birth control. It isn't easy.

Dominic Anthony Walsh

The side effects of many common contraceptives are already difficult, and many Texans are now navigating that landscape without a comprehensive sex education, supportive doctors or health insurance.

The Supreme Court will examine Trump administration regulations that allow employers to claim exemptions to the contraceptive insurance coverage mandate in the Affordable Care Act.

Supreme Court Takes Up Birth-Control Conscience Case

Sarah McCammon

The high court will consider a case involving a challenge to a Trump administration rule that allows employers to opt out of providing contraceptive coverage for religious or moral reasons.